At {my}smile our mission is guiding you onto the path to achieving your dream smile and it is only a hop, skip, and a jump away! All you need to do is book in for a chat either over the phone or via video with one of our {my}smile consultants who will answer all your questions and make you an appointment for your free* consultation with one of our experienced dentists.
But, for now, here’s our top 10 interesting facts which you didn’t know about teeth straightening! Brace yourselves...
1 - Braces can be used to treat problems other than crooked or crowded teeth.
They can also be used to help with breathing problems, chewing issues, and helping some speech impediments!
2 - Lots of famous people have had orthodontic treatment.
The likes of Prince Harry, Gwen Stefani, Nicolas Cage, Kendall Jenner, and Miley Cyrus just to name a few!
3 - The type of wire used for traditional metal braces was invented by NASA.
Although they created this heat-resistant metal for their shuttles, it also seemed perfect to create flexible wires which keep their shape after bending and being attached to a wearer's teeth. Thank you, NASA!
4 - Braces Were Invented Around 300 Years Ago!
In 1728 to be precise, by a man named Pierre Fauchard (also known as the father of dentistry…)
5 - Retainers are just as important as braces.
No matter what kind of orthodontics you need or want, the retainer at the end of treatment is equally as important to the straightening procedure! This is because teeth have memory, and if you don’t wear that retainer, they may start moving back into their old positions.
6 - And...
Nearly 25% of orthodontic patients get braces AGAIN because they didn’t wear their retainer!
7 -There’s no age limit.
Braces are usually associated with children and teenagers, but there is no age limit on when you can get braces. You can correct your teeth at any age, as long as your teeth and gums are healthy.
8 - Treatment times differ from person to person.
This is because, well, everyone is different, and their smiles are unique! Some cases could be simpler and take less time, but some could be more complex and take a little longer.
9 - Your treatment could take longer if you don’t wear your aligners for 22 hours per day.
The same as if you miss an appointment to get your wires tightened or changed on traditional braces, if you don’t wear your aligners for 22 hours this can halt the process of straightening...meaning you’d make it last longer than it should!
10 - Mums the word.
Or...mummies really...
The desire for straight teeth can be traced right back to Ancient Egypt! Some mummies have been found with makeshift braces made from animal guts... aren’t you glad they came a long way now? Thanks again, NASA.