Three Things You Might Not Know About Braces

Braces are not the most exciting topic in the world for a lot of people. Many approach braces as a heavy burden. They’re often either seen as a necessity that we must endure for the greater good of our dental health, or as a cosmetic need that many of us debate skipping. There are a lot of reasons why people are deterred from braces at first, especially if they’re looking into braces for adults.

The cost of braces, the appearance of braces, and the process of having them applied or adjusted can be off-putting at first. However, there is much more to braces than what may initially meet the eye in this day and age. They come in many different forms, some of which are more palatable to the naked eye than others.

Furthermore, there have been more advancements in terms of orthodontics than a lot of Americans are initially aware of. With that being said, let’s look into what you don’t know about braces; for in fact, what you don’t know could very well inform your decisions for the future.

1. Orthodontic Treatment Is Older Than You Think

Many of us believe that braces and other types of orthodontic equipment are relatively new, historically speaking, and are somewhat stagnant in terms of advancements. In fact, braces have been around a lot longer than you might think. Braces themselves, both braces for adults and braces for children, have existed for almost 300 years.

But in contrast, orthodontic devices have been traced back to ancient Egypt. This is because they are all so important, and not merely for cosmetic purposes. Misaligned teeth or misaligned jaws not only cause aesthetic issues, but very real long-term pain and discomfort. As such, they’ve been prioritized within the healthcare field for a long time, and are considered an important part of long-term overall healthcare.

2. Traditional Braces Are Still The Best Option

Despite advances in orthodontic care over the years, traditional braces are still the best bet for those looking to straighten their teeth. Traditional metal braces are durable, less expensive, and more versatile than other braces options. Traditional braces work just as well with severe cases of misaligned teeth as they do with minor issues. Traditional braces are also a quicker remedy than other orthodontic options.

3. Braces Can Change The Appearance Of Your Face

If you have issues with the way that your jaw looks, you’re not alone. A lot of people have misaligned jaws, which cause a jutting jaw, or at times an undershot jaw. The fact is that braces or more intense types of orthodontic equipment often treat jaw issues as well as they treat teeth issues.

This means that you can actually end up not only with lowered pain levels and a better smile, but a more symmetrical face shape once your equipment is removed. Now, not everyone wants to change of their face, and you can be treated with this in mind. But normally, the changes do not completely alter your appearance, while at the same time improving some of the issues that might have bothered you before you got your orthodontic equipment.

The fact is that braces for adults can be an undertaking, but they are more accessible than they once were before. A lot of people finance their braces, while many insurance companies have expanded their plans to accommodate them. For that matter, there are so many different types of braces to choose from. Don’t let your initial concerns about getting braces stop you from being your best possible self, and enjoying your life to the fullest.