Orthodontic braces - a necessity or a fad? (representational image - Unsplash) 
Dentistry

Orthodontic braces - a necessity or a fad?

You may have regularly come across terms like braces, invisalign, & orthodontic therapy. Have you ever wondered why these braces are so popular nowadays?

Dr. Harichandana Kesari

You may have regularly come across terms like braces , invisalign, and orthodontic therapy.

Have you ever wondered why these braces are so popular nowadays? Let's uncover some information on braces in today's article.

The History of Orthodontic Braces:

The history of braces dates back to some ancient cultures thousands of years old . The Egyptians corrected the crooked teeth using natural fibres like cords of animal skin (cat gut). The Etruscans, who believed in the afterlife, used to preserve the dead ones with oral appliances to prevent the fall back of teeth. A Roman physician, Aulus Cornileus Celsus, corrected the alignment of teeth using finger pressure.

Braces, also known as orthodontic cases, are used to improve the aesthetics and dental health of an individual by straightening or correcting the position of misaligned teeth. They modify the course of teeth by applying force, thereby improving their functional efficacy and aesthetics.

Purpose:

A radiant and attractive smile is something that everyone desires. A misaligned set of teeth may be a hindrance to a confident smile. Braces, also known as orthodontic cases, are used to improve the aesthetics and dental health of an individual by straightening or correcting the position of misaligned teeth. They modify the course of teeth by applying force, thereby improving their functional efficacy and aesthetics.

So I asked Madhulika, an orthodontic patient about her brace therapy experience.

Hello, Madhu. So you wore braces for a year. Can you tell me what the reason for treatment was?

I had a gap between my upper front teeth. I wasn't feeling confident whenever I was talking or smiling . Hence, I opted for orthodontic treatment for the correction of my teeth.
Madhulika

How was the experience of your brace journey?

It was painful but tolerable . I was prescribed to use a retainer after removing my braces . I would definitely say that the treatment improved my confidence and aesthetics.
Madhulika
The evolution of braces has changed a lot, from simply putting an animal skin cord to using invisible and aesthetic appliances. This course of evolution of braces is always aimed at effective and comfortable treatment for the patient.

Advancements in orthodontic braces :

The evolution of braces has changed a lot, from simply putting an animal skin cord to using invisible and aesthetic appliances. This course of evolution of braces is always aimed at effective and comfortable treatment for the patient.

Clear aligners , a recent and popular breakthrough , which are transparent and flexible , are used for the realignment of teeth . These clear aligners are less noticeable than the usual wires and brackets of braces and can be removed physically by oneself when in need.

Increased aesthetic concerns among today's population and better accessibility and innovations in orthodontic treatments have made braces popular in today's world.

Finally, while braces for aesthetic reasons are important, braces for orthodontic therapy should be sought because misaligned teeth are one of the potential causes of TMJ pain and chronic discomfort.

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