Whether you’re wearing braces or you’re thinking about orthodontic treatment, there’s a lot of information you ought to know when it comes to straightening your smile.
- 4 million Americans are currently wearing braces.
- All orthodontists are trained dentists, but only 5% of dentists are also orthodontists.
- You can thank NASA for modern braces. They developed the alloy that is currently used to make braces.
- Braces are nearly 300 years old, but orthodontic devices can be traced back as far as ancient Egypt.
- Nearly 80% of Americans have had a cavity by age 17.
- Modern archwires are activated by your body heat. They are also reactivated after having a cold drink.
- Right handed? You probably chew your food on the right side of your mouth! Same goes for lefties.
- The best time to begin orthodontic treatment is at age 7, but most people don’t visit the orthodontist until late adolescence.
- Retainers are just as important as braces.
Our teeth shift forward throughout our lives, meaning that as we get older the front of our mouth looks more - crowded!