Most of us have probably worn braces at one point in our lives. After all, about 80% of American teenagers undergo orthodontic treatment today. Even adults are getting braces in greater numbers. The number of adults who sought orthodontic braces and other treatments increased by 24% over the last ten years! Outside of the United States, teeth straightening is just as important and ubiquitous. It is estimated that 33% of the world’s population has had orthodontic work done. From traditional steel to invisible to damon braces, the world can’t get enough of the teeth straightening treatment.
Braces may seem like a recent phenomenon but they’ve been present in history for much longer than one would think. Evidence of orthodontic work can be found as far as in ancient times. Among other ancient worlds, Egypt was known to have primitive braces technology. In fact, archeologists have found several mouthguards in the mouths of mummies buried deep within the pyramids. They may not have known what the sun was but they did figure out that having healthy, straight teeth is important and healthy!
There are a variety of braces and orthodontic procedures to choose from. The most traditional kind of braces are the steel kind. Slowing arranging teeth in order using elastic bands and metal wires, steel braces are commonly found in teenagers’ mouths (although adults have them, too). More recently, a version of steel braces, damon braces, has taken hold of the braces market. Damon braces do not use elastic bands to move teeth in place. As a result, the braces have been shown to move teeth quicker and more comfortably than traditional ones (although the results are disputed by some). There are even invisible braces available for the orally-challenged who do not want their orthodontic work to be visible!
If you or your children are in need of orthodontic work, consider braces today.
