bottom logo

7 Facts You Need To Know About Orthodontics

Orthodontics is the very first recognized specialty within the dental profession. If you are considering getting orthodontic treatment, Here are some facts about orthodontics that may surprise you. 1. “Orthodontics” is a word of Greek origin. “Ortho” means straight or correct. “Dont” (not the word “don’t”) means tooth. Put them together, and “orthodontics” means straight teeth. 2. People have had crooked teeth for ages. Since the time of Neanderthal man, crooked teeth have been one of the many problems. Archeologists have found Egyptian mummies with crude metal bands wrapped around teeth. Hippocrates wrote about “irregularities” of the teeth (misaligned teeth and jaws) around 400 BCE. Thousands of years later, a French dentist, Pierre Fauchard, wrote about an orthodontic appliance in his 1728 landmark book on dentistry, The Surgeon Dentist: A Treatise on the Teeth. He described the bandeau, a piece of horseshoe-shaped precious metal that was literally tied to teeth to align them. 3. Orthodontics was the first dental specialty in 1900. Edward H. Angle founded orthodontics. He was the first orthodontist: the first member of the dental profession to limit his practice to orthodontics only – moving teeth and aligning jaws. 4. Gold was used as the metal for braces around 1900. Gold is malleable, so it was easy to shape it into an orthodontic appliance. And because of its malleability, it also stretches easily. Therefore, patients had to see their orthodontist frequently for adjustments that kept treatment on track. 5. Teeth move due to pressure over time. Some pressure is beneficial for treatment, but some can be quite damaging. Teeth can be pushed out of place; bone can be distorted. Orthodontists use appliances to apply a constant, gentle pressure on teeth to guide them into their ideal positions. If the pressure is wrongly put over time, teeth can be pushed out of place; bone can be distorted. 6. Bone breaks down and rebuilds, so teeth can move. “Osteoclasts” cells break down bones, while “osteoblast” cells rebuild bones. The process is called “bone remodeling.” A balanced diet helps support bone remodeling. So, feed your bones! 7. Orthodontic treatment is and should be a professional service. An orthodontic appliance is not a commodity or a product. What type of appliance to use for teeth moving should be nothing more than a proper tool for the expert. Each tool has its uses, but not every tool is right for every job.

About Free Dental Service

Free or low-cost dental clinics exist in the U.S. to help bridge the gap in dental care accessibility, particularly for individuals who may not have the means to afford regular dental services. These clinics are often funded by government programs, non-profit organizations, or charitable donations, aiming to provide essential dental care to those most in need. These services are typically targeted toward low-income individuals and families, uninsured individuals, children and seniors, and people on government assistance.
Dental Knowledge
Dental Implants

6 Methods To Find Free/Low-Cost Dental Implants

Although getting dental implants might be the best choice for replacing the missing teeth, and you're considering it, the cost can be quite high in the US. But don't worry! There are still several methods that you may find cheaper implants or other low-cost alternatives for problematic teeth.
Dental Implants

6 Things You Should Know Before Getting Dental Implants

Nowadays, hundreds of millions of Americans are still suffering from tooth loss in spite of the improvements in dental care. No matter what reason is causing the problem, dental implants might be the best solution. To learn more about the implant, read the following facts about it.
Dental Insurance

How To Use Medicaid For Low-Income Dental Care?

It is very likely to have dental problems, but getting proper dental service can be quite expensive. Do you know that you may use Medicaid to cover part of your dental bills? Check out things you need to know about the benefit and how you may get low-income dental care.
bottom logo
About UsPrivacy PolicyDisclaimerTerms and Conditions