- Have you had braces yet?
So many of us have braces, but do you know these fun facts about braces?
Million Of Americans Are Currently In Braces
According to the American Association of Orthodontics, there are 4 million people that currently wearing braces. There are about 1 million orthodontics patients that are over the age of 18. Did you know these fun facts about braces?
Smile Like An Egyptian
It may seem a little insane, but the idea of having straight teeth actually dates back to Ancient Egyptians as some of the mummies were seen with makeshift braces post-mortem.
Metal Braces Make Strong Teeth
Before getting metal braces, your teeth are thoroughly cleaned to ensure your brackets will adhere to the teeth. From there, the cement is used to secure the brace to the tooth, and fluoride is released into the tooth, with the idea that fluoride strengthens tooth enamel.
Braces In Space
Until the mid 20th century, braces were made of gold. One nickel titanium alloy was discovered in 1959, it was used from then on. The metal was developed by NASA while searching for something strong and heat-resistant for space shuttle hulls. Not only did this make braces more affordable but also led to its use across the board. Did you know these fun facts about braces?
Famous Brace Faces
Some famous brace faces include Emma Watson, Katy Perry, Dakota Fanning, Justin Beiber, and Prince Harry.
Braces Are Not Magnetic
Some people seem to think they are but in reality, braces are not magnetic. This means you won’t have any other magnetized complications either.
Orthodontics Originated In 1900
Edward H. Angle was the first dentist who focused specifically on orthodontics. He became the first official orthodontist and helped fund the American Associated of Orthodontics. Did you know these fun facts about braces?
Mummies Used Braces
Seems wild doesn’t it? But it’s true. Mummies used braces or their version of them. Mummies have been seen with crude metal bands around their teeth and they were tied together with catgut to put pressure on the teeth so they would move.
Retainers Are Essential Post-Braces
If you’ve had braces, you know that’s not the end of the road. Retainers are needed after your braces are off to maintain your results. Did you know these not so fun facts about braces?
The Braces Inventor
The first orthodontic braces were developed by the French dentist Pierre Fauchard in 1728. Known as the “father of modern dentistry,” the original braces used gold wire and thread. There are archeological evidences that suggest basic orthodontic appliances were used thousands of years beforehand.
All Orthodontists Are Dentists
But not all dentists are orthodontists. The orthodontists have to go through dentistry school first and then complete an additional two to three years as part of an orthodontic residency program. Only about 6% of dentists are orthodontists.
Orthodontic Myths:
- It’s not possible to “lock” braces while kissing another person with braces!
- You can still play sports
- Braces don’t actually set off metal detectors
- You can still play musical instruments, including ones that use your mouth
- Braces are not magnetic
- Braces do not interfere with radio signals
What do you think of these braces fun facts? Those of us with braces would probably agree the fun facts aren’t necessarily that fun but let me know what you think in the comments!