Braces have a long history, dating back thousands of years. And, while the rudimentary machines of the past have changed greatly over time, they nevertheless served the same purpose: to assist individuals obtain the smiles they desired. Evidence of the desire for straight teeth can be found in ancient civilizations as far back as Egypt and the early Roman Empires. The following are some intriguing and fun facts about orthodontics, as well as the history and evolution of braces. FACT #1 Braces have existed since ancient times. Some of the first reported attempts at straightening teeth were discovered in mummies in Egypt when gold wire was used to bind teeth to move them into more acceptable positions. Furthermore, in early Rome, Aulus Cornelius Celsus chronicled his attempts to straighten teeth by applying pressure with his hands at regular intervals. FACT #2 We can thank NASA for its role in modern orthodontics. In 1959, NASA developed a metal alloy known as nickel titanium, which revolutionized the science of orthodontics. Although originally designed as a heat-resistant metal for space missions, it proved to be an ideal material for producing very flexible, thin wires to keep orthodontic brackets in place. FACT #3 The first braces were very expensive. In the early 1900s, the term “braces” became popular. But most people could not afford them. Dentists would wrap each tooth with a band and connect these bands with a wire. The best dentist https://www.envysmile.com/best-cosmetic-dentists-in-brooklyn-ny/ uses ivory, copper, or zinc as wires. But those who could afford expensive treatments preferred wires of silver or gold. Gold, which is a soft metal, required a lot of adjustments. FACT #4 Braces or aligners don't just create great smiles. The primary benefit of braces is to correct a patient's bite. Proper orthodontic treatment promotes oral health, which benefits general health. Aside from developing a stunning smile, one of the primary goals of orthodontic work is to achieve suitable bite and chewing abilities. A solid bite can also aid with swallowing and chewing problems, as well as speaking and breathing difficulties. FACT #5 Some appliances for straightening teeth are nearly invisible. Although most people think of braces as the conventional metal brackets and wires that you can easily see, modern advances in orthodontics have led to: - aligners - a set of detachable plastic-like trays that are practically unnoticeable, to move teeth over time; - metal braces - they are fixed on the back side of the front teeth (also called lingual braces, which means tongue-side), so they are not visible when you smile; - ceramic braces - they are tooth colored and much more discreet than conventional metal-colored braces; - clear braces, like Damon Clear or Invisalign. FACT #6 Treatment time varies not just by the type of modality of the appliance but by what issues an orthodontist is trying to address. A professional diagnosis by a trained orthodontist is required to determine what difficulties you need to repair and how long it will take to do so. Not all modalities are appropriate for all situations. Many patients seek orthodontic treatment for overbite, underbite, crossbite, overcrowding, and gaps between teeth. FACT #7 The Braces treatment isn't over when the braces are removed or the aligners are finished. The next part of treatment is to wear a retainer as suggested by your orthodontist. There are numerous types of retainers, but they all serve the same purpose: to keep teeth that have recently shifted into a new, desirable location in place and from reverting to their old state. FACT #8 Braces prices vary but can be affordable. Treatment costs vary widely depending on the doctor you choose, the length of treatment, and the materials used. Braces or aligners typically cost between $5,000 and $7,000. Seek a few free consultations. Also, check to see what your insurance will cover and what payment options the doctor you choose offers. We hope you learned something new and appreciated these brace facts. When you consider braces from the beginning of civilization, it's fortunate that we now have many more advanced and less painful ways to achieve a fantastic, healthy smile. Check back later to see additional facts as we add to this collection.