Ladera Ranch, CA – At Ladera Orthodontics, we love all things that have to do with the orthodontic world. It’s what we do every day and we can’t get enough! We know it may not sound as exciting to people who don’t work in orthodontics but our orthodontic world is full of interesting tidbits.
- Even ancient Egyptians wanted straighter teeth. What we recognize now as today’s braces wouldn’t be invented for many centuries but ancient Egyptian mummies have been found with crude orthodontic appliances on their teeth. They used animal intestines wrapped around their teeth in what archaeologists think was meant to straighten teeth.
- Modern braces are almost 300 years old. The Father of Dentistry, Pierre Fauchard, designed the first modern braces in 1728.
- The wires used in today’s braces were invented by NASA. We use wires made of nickel titanium in metal braces and NASA first invented this alloy to use in space. Used as archwires in braces this alloy is super thin, flexible, elastic, and our body heat can activate them.
- All orthodontists are dentists but not all dentists are orthodontists. Dentists and orthodontists all start out in the same place – an accredited dental school. But after graduation, orthodontists go on for additional training and education that typically lasts two to three years. Only about six percent of dentists are orthodontists. Of those six percent, less than 25% are board certified like our own Drs. Robert Gire and Reza Salsmassian.
- You are never too old for orthodontic treatment. Even if you never had braces in your adolescent years, it’s not too late to get the smile of your dreams. Today, nearly a quarter of orthodontic patients are over the age of 18.
- The ideal age to see an orthodontist is age seven. While many people think this might be too young, it’s actually a great time because at this age patients normally have begun to lose baby teeth. The orthodontist can see how the smile is starting to take shape and begin interceptive treatment at the right time to have the most impact.
- Your smile will naturally shift as you age. Even if you had orthodontic treatment as a teen, you may notice your smile shifting as you get older. This is a natural part of the aging process. If you are worried your teeth have shifted too much, visit an orthodontist.
- Wearing your retainer is as important as wearing your braces. Many people hope their orthodontic treatment is over once there are finished with braces but that’s not the case. In order to keep that smile as straight as the day the braces are removed, you must continue to wear your retainer.
- Braces are about much more than just cosmetics. While the most obvious benefit to braces is a beautifully straight smile, there are other important benefits, too. Braces can improve everything from your oral health to how you speak and eat. It can in some cases ease breathing issues, help eliminate headaches, jaw and neck pain.
- There are more options to straighten your teeth than ever before. No matter what type of orthodontic option you are looking for, we probably have it. From standard metal braces to ceramic braces, from Invisalign or Spark, to lingual braces, and much more, there is an option to fit into everyone’s lifestyle and budget.
If you are interested in learning more about how to get the smile of your dreams, call Ladera Orthodontics today at 949-272-8782.
