Why Did Dental Braces Become Popular?

What was dental braces invented for? Over the centuries, people from all walks of life have been forced to put up with crooked, crowded, misshapen teeth. For some, the condition of their teeth may even be an embarrassment. Fortunately, there are a number of advances in today's technology that provide individuals with options when it comes to fixing the condition of their teeth. From cosmetic dentistry to reconstructive dentistry, you can rest assured that your choices will not only improve the look of your teeth, but they will also be effective treatments for your oral health problems.

The first question one might ask when thinking about was dental braces invented? The answer to that question is that they were in fact dental equipments used to help straighten teeth and prevent tooth decay. Prior to the invention of braces, people had to resort to various practices like drilling through the gums, pulling the teeth or wearing different types of dentures. All these methods were inconvenient and expensive. Braces, on the other hand, can straighten teeth easily, quickly and without the aid of other oral procedures. They can be used on minor problems such as misaligned teeth, damaged teeth or just teeth that are crooked and need to be straightened.

Unlike traditional dentures, braces are not made out of plastic but of metal. The most common material used for the construction of the wires is sterling silver. They are then connected to the jaw bone through small metal brackets. Because the wires are metal, it helps to strengthen the jaw joint that prevents the jaws from opening during the night.

Over time, the wires have been strengthened even more. Bracelets made of titanium have also been used as a substitute for wires. This metal has the same electrical conductivity characteristics as that of a wire. Even though this form of braces is more expensive than those made of sterling silver or gold, they last longer.

The traditional metal dental braces have many disadvantages. First, the wires often became a breeding ground for bacteria and infections because they are close to the bone. Second, the metal makes it hard to clean your teeth; you must use special brushes and special cleaners to keep them free of stains and bacteria.

Now that you know what dental braces are and how they work, hopefully you will have an easier time answering the question "Why did dental braces become popular?" With all the options available, braces have greatly helped people who suffer from misaligned or crooked teeth to restore their normal appearance. You may never have to ask yourself, "Why were dental braces invented?"