Why Adults Wear Braces

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You may have noticed the increasing number of adults wearing braces. Braces are can be used solely for aesthetics and cosmetic reasons, but also to correct and maintain the placement of your teeth and jaws. The health of your teeth and mouth plays a very important role in your overall health.

There are approximately four million people in our country who wear braces. You may be surprised to hear that over one-quarter of them are adults. That means that over one million adults are wearing braces. Is it time for you to be one of them?
Why people need braces
Cosmetically, it may be easy to see why adults are wearing braces. Their teeth are crooked and they aren't happy with their appearance. Many adults who wear braces, had braces as adolescents
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Braces are also recommended if your jaws are not aligned correctly. As we age we lose bone density throughout our bodies - and our mouths as well. The change in bone density can cause our teeth to shift. Proper chewing is important to maintain our health, and braces can help return your teeth to their proper positions.
A little history of braces and orthodontics
Hard to believe, but teeth braces actually date back to around 400-300 BC. Ancient mummies have been found with metal bands wrapped around their teeth. Research on orthodontics in general didn't really get into full swing until the 17-19th centuries. During this time inventors were continually working on teeth straightening methods that were effective and more comfortable.

The first school of orthodontics was founded in 1901.
A wire crib was one of the first appliances used in contemporary orthodontics, as well as elastics made from rubber tubing. Since that time, there has been continued research and many changes in appliances and innovations in materials. The goal has always been to simplify the process and make the appliances less cumbersome and