5 Unusual Facts About Orthodontics And Braces

How much do you know about orthodontics and braces? Traditional metal braces are one of the most common dental treatments for teens in the USA as well as in many other countries around the world. And while it's more common to see them on the younger generation, many adults wear them as well. While traditional braces haven't changed much over the years, some patients will now have the option to wear removable, clear trays to correct their smiles. Here are five more facts about orthodontics and braces.

1. Teens outnumber adults in orthodontics treatment by 3 to 4. While they may hate the idea of having to wear braces, teens will be in good company. Millions will wear braces or other devices before they turn 18. Treatment tends to be more successful and easier on younger patients due to their physical pliability. Their bones are still growing, which means they can still be reshaped. Adults can also see results with treatment, but there are more limitations and further procedures may be required to get the same results as a teen would.

2. While American kids may turn their nose up and the thought of having to wear braces, teens in Thailand started embracing them in the mid 00's. The trend of wearing colorful bands around metal brackets became so popular that people even people with envied smiles were scrambling to get a set, which meant having to buy fake braces from the black market. Police eventually stepped in to curb the madness.

3. Few dental devices are as highly customizable and creative as metal braces. Around each bracket a band or chain of bands is fastened. When individual ones are used, each color can be different. If a chain is used, the upper and lower portion can be mixed and matched. Many orthodontics offices carry a huge variety of colors ranging from hot pink to glow in the dark. Some patients like to coordinate color patterns to match the seasons such as orange and black for Halloween or red and green for Christmas.

4. There's no shame in wearing braces to perfect your smile in Hollywood. Numerous movie, television, and music stars have worn braces in their youth and even adulthood. In fact, after Tom Cruise famously sported the appliance on red carpets a few years ago, orthodontists saw a huge surge of adult patients seeking treatment. Other celebrities that have been metal mouths include Gwen Stefani, Allysa Milano, Emma Watson, and Prince Harry.

5. There are many myths about braces and other orthodontics that have been around for years. One popular story that has been passed around is that when two people wearing braces kiss the wires can become "locked." While there is the potential to get the wires hooked over one another, they can be easily disengaged with a little patience. Another myth is that the metal will set off alarms at the airport or attract other objects like a magnet. Neither of these have any truth to them.