Lee Orthodontics

Fun Facts and Myths About Orthodontics

Posted on April 2, 2021

Lee Orthodontics - Abilene, TX

Orthodontics has been around for a long time. Most people do not realize that, when they step into the orthodontist’s office, the practice of orthodontics dates to ancient Egyptian times. The desire to improve teeth has been around as long as civilization has been around.

The first braces were not actually invented until the 1800s, but the idea of correcting tooth and jaw alignment using various contraptions dates back way further. Mummies in Egypt have been dug up with evidence of crude wiring on their teeth. Luckily, today, Lee Orthodontics in Abilene TX uses state-of-the-art braces to correct your teeth.

Let’s look at some fun facts and myths about orthodontics so you can better understand the important dental specialty.

Fun Facts About Orthodontics

Look to this handy list to learn statistical and fun facts about orthodontics.

  • Your orthodontist is a dentist, but your dentist is not an orthodontist. About 5% of dentists continue their education to become an orthodontist. Dentists that want to become orthodontist must participate in post-dental school graduation training. It is a specialized field that requires specialized education.
  • The word orthodontic comes from the root word “ortho,” which is Greek for “straight”. The second half of the word is also Greek. “Dont” is “tooth” in Greek. Put it together and you get a straight tooth.
  • Modern braces have been around for about 300 years, but they were not always so modern. “Modern” braces have evolved from bulky contraptions that were strapped to the chin to sleek barely their devices. In the 1700s braces were metal plates attached to the teeth and held on by a thread.
  • We can thank NASA for inventing the alloy that is used in modern braces.
  • As we age, our teeth continue to shift forward. Adult braces account for about 25% of the people that are wearing braces. While it is strongly recommended that orthodontic treatment starts at the age of seven, there is no age limit to getting the corrections you need at the orthodontist offices. Braces can provide correction at any age.
  • About 25% of orthodontic patients are returning patients that need to get braces. Why? Because they did not wear their retainers when they were kids and their teeth shifted back out of place. The moral of the story: wear your retainers!

Myths About Orthodontics

There are a lot of urban legends when it comes to braces. Here are a few to consider.

  • Braces are not magnetic, and they will not set off the metal detectors at airports.
  • Braces do not pick up radio waves.
  • You are not more likely to get struck by lightning if you are wearing braces.
  • Orthodontic care is not cost-prohibitive, and Invisalign braces are not more expensive than traditional braces.
  • Affordable treatments are available.

Make an appointment today to learn more about your braces options. Anyone in your family who seeks teeth correction can find the treatment they need at Lee Orthodontics.