Braces are known for their ability to correct crooked teeth and bite issues. Over 4 million people wear braces in the United States alone with 25% of them being age 18 or older. Though they are one of the most popular ways to correct one’s smile, there’s much more to metal braces than meets the eye. Here are a few fun facts about braces that you probably didn’t know.
Braces Are Out of This World
Modern braces might not exist without NASA. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration is responsible for developing the alloy in metal braces, which was originally meant to be used as a heat resistant material on space shuttles. Due to its ability to maintain its shape when bent, it’s great for making the flexible wires in braces and also helps decrease discomfort.
In the Beginning
Though they were a far cry from modern braces, Egyptians used cords made out of dried horse and sheep intestines and tied them around metal posts in the teeth in an attempt to straighten them. Most of these ancient braces were placed on mummies to keep their teeth intact for the afterlife. In 1728, Pierre Fauchard, a French physician often credited for the invention of modern orthodontics, designed the first contemporary braces. Fauchard’s braces consisted of a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron called a Bandeau that was connected to the teeth by thread. Orthodontic brackets were invented in 1915, giving braces a look more like what we’re familiar with today.
The Gift That Keeps on Giving
Some of the cements used to attach brackets to misaligned teeth contain a fluoride-releasing substance. Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in water and various foods. It’s redeposited to the enamel layer of a tooth through a process called remineralization. This helps strengthen teeth and makes them more resistant to acid attacks from plaque, sugar, and cavity-causing bacteria.
As history taught us, braces have come a long way to be the orthodontic marvel we know today. From children to adults, millions of Americans use braces to straighten their smiles each year. Modern braces are comfortable, customizable, and capable of giving you a beautiful smile you’ll be proud to show off!
About the Practice
At Huntington Orthodontics, Dr. Justyna Balicka and the highy-qualified Huntington team give patients of all ages the opportunity to achieve a straighter, more uniform smile in a reliable and welcoming environment. Their individualized approach to dental health care lets patients know they’re receiving the highly personalized, expert treatment they deserve in a safe, educational atmosphere. To learn more about if braces are right for you, call our office at (631) 759-8834 or visit our website.