9 Fun Facts About Orthodontics: True or False
1. Celebrities are actually born with perfectly straight teeth.
FALSE
The majority of people are not born with a million dollar smile. Celebrities like Niall Horan, Justin Bieber, Faith Hill, Zac Efron, Emma Watson, Selena Gomez, Tom Cruise and Gwen Stefani have reached their ideal smile through braces and orthodontic treatment. So, who knows, your smile may give you a one-way ticket to the big screen!
2. Over 4 million people, in the U.S. alone, are currently wearing braces.
TRUE
And guess what, 25% of those 4 million people are adults.
3. The use of braces started nearly 50 years ago.
FALSE
You would never guess that Ancient Egyptians came up with the notion of a “perfect smile,” but they were onto something – that’s for sure.
The development of Orthodontics began in the 18th and 19th centuries. Pierre Fauchard, the author of ‘The Surgeon Dentist’, has been given credit for the invention of modernized orthodontics and wrote of an ivory labial arch for orthodontic use.
4. The only reason we straighten teeth is for improving physical appearance.
FALSE
Braces can help remedy a wide variety of problems. Typically, braces are used to straighten and align the teeth with the jaw. Crooked teeth create and add pressure on certain parts of the mouth which could lead to serious dental complications down the road. Before letting the idea of braces intimidate you, listen to your dental care provider and see an orthodontist. Braces and orthodontic treatment can be pain-free and act as a long term solution for fixing tooth-related issues. Taking the initiative to correct crooked teeth will give you a boost in self-confidence and a smile worth showing off!
Dr. John Boling, a Westrock Orthodontics orthodontist, located in Jonesboro would agree. Read his story about how braces helped him here.
5. The DIY Braces phenomenon is a reality but, unfortunately, patients have no way of knowing if their bite is properly aligned until problems occur years later.
TRUE
It is possible to have perfectly straight upper and lower front teeth, but if your bite is not properly aligned then you are at risk of wearing both your joints and your teeth. Sometimes it takes a while for symptoms to begin showing, but by that point you’re out of luck.
6. Braces are affordable.
TRUE
People associate a high price tag with braces or other types of orthodontic treatment, but don’t let that discourage you. Obtaining the smile you’ve always wanted or giving the gift of a healthy smile to your loved one will only be more valuable in relation to self-esteem and confidence that can last a lifetime.
Westrock Orthodontics offers flexible and affordable payment plans with flexible down payments and zero percent interest. In addition, many dental insurance plans will provide coverage for the cost of orthodontics. Be sure to talk to your provider about the extent of your treatment coverage!
7. You should see an orthodontist by age 7.
TRUE
Getting started at the right age is crucial for those in need of Phase I treatment. View this article to reference Dr. Tatum’s blog post with more information on when your child should see an orthodontist
8. All orthodontists are dentists, but not all dentists are orthodontists.
TRUE
In fact, only a little over 5 percent of dentists are certified orthodontists. Orthodontists are dentists who have pursued a specialty in orthodontics, the branch of dentistry specializing in the prevention and correction of irregularly aligned teeth. Visit MyLifeMySmile.org to learn more.
9. You only have to wear your retainer when you want to.
FALSE
Quite a fitting name, funny thing, the origin of the word retainer is ‘retain’. Define here.
It is said that 25 percent of patients relapse and that means braces, again. Many orthodontists offer insurance policies just in case! Be sure to ask your orthodontist about a retainer replacement policy.
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