Braces may seem like a modern innovation but fact is, humans have been trying to straighten their teeth for centuries. As far back as the ancient Egyptians (archaeologists have discovered mummies with mouth guards and primitive braces buried beneath the pyramids), humans have been adamant in find solutions to those humans in need of teeth alignment treatment. Today, nearly a third of all people in the world have received some kind of orthodontic treatment during their lives! In the United States, nearly four out of five teenagers undergo orthodontic treatment. Braces and other treatments are so in-demand, in fact, that even adults are taking more advantage of it. Since 2005, the number of adults seeking braces and other kinds of treatment has increased by 24%. Adult orthodontics isn’t rare or unusual at all.
The most common kind of orthodontic treatment are braces, though they aren’t the only way to straighten one’s teeth or re-align one’s jaw. Straight teeth can be accomplished by “clear braces” or “invisible braces.” As the name suggests, invisible braces are transparent and usually come in a tray form, meaning that they are not only invisible to the naked eye, they can be taken out at one’s convenience. Especially for times when a person has to eat, drink, or brush their teeth, clear braces provide a relatively-comfortable and novel way to achieve straight teeth.
Another option for orthodontic work is to use braces but to attach them behind the teeth rather than in front of them. Some people find metal braces to be socially awkward, so this option is perfect for those who want a nice, healthy smile to show even when they have braces on.
There are a number of other options available for people in need of teeth aligning work. No matter what method is used, however, the result is almost always the same: a straight (and therefore healthy) pair of teeth. For more information about adult orthodontics and other work, feel free to leave a comment or question at the bottom.
