20 Insightful Facts About Orthodontics
You might not know much about orthodontic facts, but that will soon change. There are so many interesting facts about orthodontists and orthodontic treatment that you might become mind-blown. Learning more about orthodontic treatment can help you understand how it can impact your smile so that you can make informed treatment decisions with your dental professionals.
Orthodontics is a specialty of dentistry that focuses on the proper alignment of your jaws and teeth. Common orthodontic appliances include braces and clear aligners. This article will give complete information about interesting facts of Orthodontics.
- Both children and adults can benefit from orthodontics. In the United States, approximately 1.61 million received orthodontic treatment in 2018, according to research.
- In previous years, approximately 75% of patients with orthodontics were under the age of 18 years in the United States, according to the same research.
1. Derived from Greek, the Term 'Orthodontics' has its Origins
There are many interesting facts from the history of orthodontics. In this section, we will discuss the origin of orthodontics.
Have you ever wondered what the word “orthodontics” really means? And where did the term come from? The word comes from the Greek word “Ortho,” which means straight or correct, and “odont,” meaning tooth.
2. Teeth Don't Shift by Magic; Consistent Pressure Brings Change
Wondering how your teeth move in braces? Here’s what you need to know.
Sadly, it isn’t magic that moves teeth, although that would be cool. Gentle pressure from orthodontic appliances such as braces and clear aligners help push teeth to their ideal positions. The pressure allows tooth movement via cells within your jawbones to both breakdown and rebuild bone, a process known as bone remodeling.
3. A Growing Demand Exists for More Orthodontic Providers
Orthodontists are dental specialists who do additional training beyond dental school in the field of orthodontics. There is a growing demand for more orthodontic providers, which we discuss in the following paragraph.
The health benefits of having a straight smile are numerous, which is why children and adults with teeth misalignments are encouraged to seek orthodontic care. As the orthodontic market continues to grow rapidly, research reports that there are a limited number of orthodontists for the larger amount of individuals needing orthodontic treatment.
4. World's Most Expensive Braces were Designed by Orthodontists in London
Are you wondering how expensive are braces? The prices of braces can vary depending on a number of factors, including where you live.
The world’s most expensive braces are found to be sold for $13,000. The braces were designed by orthodontists in London.
5. Dealing with Misaligned Teeth Dates Back Through History
The history of braces is vast. Here we will discuss the history of braces.
The history of orthodontics reveals that misaligned teeth do not just pop out of nowhere today. Misaligned teeth have been found to have been around for thousands of years, according to archeologists.
6. In 1900, Orthodontics Marked the First Dental Specialization
Orthodontics is the first dental specialization created in 1900. Learn more about the history of orthodontics below.
Edward H. Angle is commonly credited as the “father of modern orthodontics.” He was the first American dentist to practice orthodontics. Today, the organization he established goes by the American Association of Orthodontics, which consists of about 19,000 orthodontists from across the globe.
7. Orthodontic Treatment is a Specialized Professional Offering
The specialty of orthodontics is a professional career. Here’s what you need to know about the field of orthodontics.
Orthodontics is more than just appliances. The science behind orthodontics involves a wealth of medical education background and complex physics and biomechanics to move teeth properly. Orthodontics requires the expertise of dentists and orthodontists who go through additional training to become experts in the field.
8. Around 1900, Gold Took the Spotlight as The Preferred Brace Material
Did you know there are trends in orthodontics? Back in the early 1900s, gold braces were the most popular braces. Learn more in the section below.
Braces today are a lot different than they used to be in the past. Gold was used in the 1900s for braces due to its flexibility and easy adaptability to teeth. Today, braces are typically made of stainless steel.
9. Dentists Can be Orthodontists, But Not All Dentists Are
One of the fun facts about orthodontics is that dentists can be orthodontists, but not all dentists are orthodontists. Read more to learn about how this is true.
To become an orthodontist, you must go through four years of dental school to get the same degree as every dentist. However, after dental school, if you want to specialize in orthodontics, you must attend an orthodontic residency program. Approximately only 5% of dentists are orthodontists.
10. Braces aren't Limited to Just Young Patients
Think braces have an age limit? Fortunately, braces aren’t limited to only young patients.
Braces are treatment options for both children and adults. In fact, the number of adult orthodontic patients is rapidly increasing. Everyone can take advantage of the numerous benefits of orthodontics.
11. Millions of People in the U.S. Wear Braces at Present
Braces are in popular demand across the United States. Many people have the same idea of wanting a straight smile, which can be achieved through braces.
No matter your age, braces can help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Straight teeth are a common desire for millions of people in the United States currently undergoing orthodontic treatment.
12. Orthodontic Care is Recommended for Children Starting at the Age of 7
The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) is the world's largest dental specialty association, which offers professional recommendations and resources on orthodontics. Learn more below.
According to the American Association of Orthodontists (AAO), children should see an orthodontist no later than age 7 for a general consultation. At this age, tooth irregularities commonly appear, and early treatment can reduce the chance of future problems occurring.
13. The Invention of Modern Orthodontic Treatment is Credited to a French Dentist
The invention of modern orthodontic treatment is attributed to a French Dentist. We discuss the first braces invented below.
The first modern braces invented were in 1728 by a French dentist, Pierre Fauchard. He used a horseshoe-shaped metal band on the patient’s back teeth to help expand their dental arches. He is also famous for writing a popular book on dentistry entitled, The Surgeon Dentist: A Treatise on the Teeth.
14. Not Every Rumor about Braces Stands True
There are a lot of myths that get circulated about braces. Be sure to learn the facts.
Rumors can spread easily. Do your best to avoid common myths about braces like, “braces are only for kids, you cannot play sports or instruments brace, tighter braces equate to faster treatment, you do not have to wear your retainer after braces to keep your teeth straight forever.”
15. Orthodontists Possess the Ability to Reshape Facial Structure
It is possible to restructure facial structure through orthodontic treatment. Your orthodontist possesses the knowledge and expertise to reshape and better position your jaws.
Orthodontists help improve the alignment of your jaws and teeth, which can in turn, reshape your facial structure and balance your facial profile. In growing patients, orthodontists can also help guide the jaws into their proper position. Placing your teeth and jaws in their correct positions can alleviate jaw pain, increase chewing efficiency, and improve overall appearance.
16. Braces and NASA Share a Surprising Connection
Did you know, braces and NASA share a connection? Read more to find out how.
Braces involve the use of brackets and wires, which are made of common metals used in other industry fields, including NASA. In 1959, NASA created the metal alloy nickel titanium, which is also commonly used in orthodontic treatment. These wires are heat-activated by a patient's oral cavity to help move the teeth once placed in the braces brackets.
17. Braces and Retainers Share Equal Importance
Braces and retainers go hand-in-hand. We will explain the importance of both braces and retainers.
With almost any orthodontic appliance, retainers are necessary after treatment. Teeth inherently desire to move back to their original positions, which is why they need assistance in staying put after treatment is completed. It is important to be compliant in wearing your retainer to ensure the success of orthodontic treatment.
18. Becoming a Certified Orthodontist Demands around Six to Ten Years
The journey to becoming an orthodontist is not a short process. Read more to learn about the necessary steps to becoming a certified orthodontist.
Becoming an orthodontist requires multiple educational degrees. A college bachelor’s degree is first required. Next, individuals must attend dental school, which is typically a 4-year program. Lastly, individuals must become accepted into an orthodontic specialty residency program, which can take two or more years to complete.
19. Only a Small Percentage of Orthodontic Cases are Diagnosed.
Diagnosis is a key part of dental treatment planning. Speak with your dental professionals to determine if you are a candidate for orthodontic treatment.
According to research, only a small percentage of orthodontic cases are diagnosed. General dentists and dental specialists can make referrals to other specialties like orthodontics. Orthodontic treatment is generally provided by an orthodontist, who is a dental specialist primarily trained in diagnosing and treating jaw and teeth misalignment. The American Association of Orthodontists (AAO) recommends children visit an orthodontist by the age of 7 for a consultation.
20. Orthodontics Market Generates Billions of Dollars in Revenue
The orthodontic market is large and expected to grow over the next couple of years. Below are the facts on the orthodontic market.
Orthodontics is a booming market, and it’s changing the lives of many around the world. Orthodontics is continuing to grow popular each year, and it is reported to be worth over $7.5 billion by the year 2030.
Explore Orthodontic Treatments at Great Lakes Family Dental
If you are looking for experts in orthodontic treatments, our team of orthodontists and dentists at Great Lakes Family Dental are perfect for the job. Great Lakes Family Dental provides numerous types of orthodontic treatment for people of any age.
Great Lakes Family Dental offers state-of-the-art orthodontic appliances and treatment options, including traditional metal braces, clear ceramic braces, clear aligners, and more. Schedule an appointment with our experienced team who can help you know all the facts about braces and answer any questions you may have. A treatment plan will be developed just for you, taking into account all of your smile makeover desires.
Conclusion
As you can see from this article, there are so many orthodontic facts and interesting facts about orthodontists! The history of straight teeth dates way back, and there are many innovative orthodontic treatments and techniques available today to help you achieve a beautiful and healthy smile. Orthodontics can help improve your smile’s appearance and restore its’ function so that your teeth can last a lifetime. It’s important to know and understand the facts about orthodontics mentioned in this article so that you can make informed decisions about orthodontic treatments.
