Braces have been around for many decades, and they have continued to become more increasingly popular in recent years.
For many people, braces are a way to straighten teeth and improve the aesthetics of their smile. But there’s much more to traditional braces than meets the eye.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at braces, their history, their benefits, and how they can help you achieve the perfect smile.
A Brief History of Braces
Orthodontic treatment dates back to ancient times. The Etruscans were the first to use dental appliances to straighten their teeth in 500 BC. However, it wasn’t until the 1700s that orthodontics emerged as a specialized dentistry field.
French dentist Pierre Fauchard is the “father of modern dentistry” and is credited with creating the first braces in 1728. These early braces were made of flat metal strips connected to the teeth with thread.
In the 1800s, Edward Angle developed the first wire braces, using gold wire and clasps to move teeth into their correct position. The development of stainless steel in the early 1900s revolutionized orthodontic treatment, making it more affordable and accessible to the general public.
Components of Traditional Braces
Understanding the parts that make up traditional braces is important to care for them properly and to ensure they work effectively.
Brackets: These small, square-shaped pieces are attached to each tooth with a special dental adhesive. The brackets serve as anchors for the wires and are usually made of ceramic or metal.
Archwire: This main component applies pressure to the teeth, slowly moving them into the desired position. The archwire is attached to the brackets with elastic or metal ties.
Elastic Ligatures: These tiny rubber bands hold the archwire on each bracket. They come in various colors and can be changed at each appointment to add fun and personality to the braces.
Hooks: Small hooks or tubes may be attached to the brackets to allow for additional components, such as rubber bands, to be attached.
Rubber Bands: These apply additional pressure to the teeth and help shift the jaw into the correct position. They are often used in combination with traditional braces.
How Do Traditional Braces Work?
Traditional braces use brackets, wires, and elastic bands to move teeth into proper positions gradually. The brackets are placed on each tooth, and the wire is threaded through them. The elastic bands are used to hold the wire in place.
As the wire is adjusted by your orthodontist over time, gentle pressure is applied to the teeth, which causes them to shift into their proper positions gradually. This process can take several months to a few years, depending on the severity of the treatment of the orthodontic issues.
Benefits of Traditional Braces
Traditional braces may be the perfect solution if you or a loved one need orthodontic treatment. Here are just a few benefits of choosing this time-tested treatment:
- Correct many issues: Traditional braces are effective at correcting orthodontic issues, from crowded teeth to misaligned jaws. Traditional braces are often the best choice if you have more severe issues that other orthodontic treatments can’t fix.
- Improved oral health: Crooked or misaligned teeth can make it challenging to clean them properly, leading to oral health issues. Traditional braces can help straighten teeth and improve oral health maintenance.
- Can be customized to your needs: Traditional braces come in a range of materials, including metal, ceramic, and even gold. This means you can choose a style that suits your lifestyle and budget.
- Long-lasting results: With proper care and maintenance, the results of traditional braces can last a lifetime. This means you won’t have to worry about orthodontic issues creeping up again later in life.
Why people would need them
If you have a misaligned bite or crooked teeth, traditional braces can be a great option to help correct these issues. Other reasons people may need braces include overcrowding, spacing issues, or problems with jaw alignment.
For many people, having a straighter smile can boost their confidence and self-esteem, making socializing and interacting much more enjoyable. Correcting bite and alignment issues can improve oral health by allowing you to clean and care for your teeth with ease.
Final Thoughts
At Hulse Orthodontics, we understand that orthodontic treatment is a big investment. Our team supports you every step of the way, ensuring you have a positive and successful orthodontic experience.
If you’re considering traditional braces, let’s schedule a consultation today. We’d love to show you how braces can transform your smile and your life.
