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Facts About Orthodontics From Your Orthodontist

Facts About Orthodontics From Your Vancouver And Longview Orthodontist
Posted on 02/08/2019

In the United States, over four million Americans receive orthodontic treatment. Braces and other forms of orthodontic treatments like Invisalign have become standard and almost a rite of passage for many Americans.

Vancouver and Longview orthodontist Dr. Lauren Cai is an expert in the field of orthodontics and says there are a lot of fun facts about orthodontics that are too often overlooked. Cai is a current member in four associations, including the American Association of Orthodontist, where she learns and shares her many years of experiences in the field while learning and refreshing new facts about orthodontics.  

Dr. Cai has provided us with four facts that you may not know about Vancouver and Longview orthodontics. 


1. Back In The 1900s, Braces Were Made Of Gold

If you can remember back to your earth science class in primary school, you probably remember that gold is malleable, which means that gold is easy to move into the desired shape without breaking or cracking. That made it easy to make braces to fit people’s teeth in those early days. However, since gold is so flexible and pliable it also stretches easily which was less than ideal when trying to move and hold teeth in place. This lead to people having to see their orthodontist pretty frequently because they had to constantly have their braces tightened in order to stay on track.    


2. Pressure Over Time Causes Teeth To Move

You might not think pressure is a good thing. But when it comes to moving your teeth in place, the pressure from braces or Invisalign, is the best kind of pressure because it’s what causes your teeth to move into their desired position. The tightening of the braces and the changing of aligner trays pressure your teeth into a new beautiful smile. However, pressure can also be harmful to your teeth. For example, thumb sucking or swallowing in an abnormal way create harmful pressure on your teeth. Over time, this can lead to teeth being pushed out of place and bone distortion. 


3. The Word “Orthodontist” Is Derived From Greek 

Orthodontist by definition is a type of dentist who specializes in straightening crooked teeth. But how did this word come about? Orthodontist comes from the Greek word orthos, which means straight or correct and odon which means tooth. When you put it all together, you get the meaning “straight teeth.” 


4. Orthodontics Became A Specialty In 1900

The very first orthodontist was Edward H. Angle. He was the one who founded orthodontics. Angle was trained as a dentist but made orthodontics his specialty and dedicated his life to moving teeth and aligning jaws. Angle established the American Association of Orthodontists. He is recognized as the father of orthodontics.  


Contact Our Expert Vancouver And Longview Orthodontist

If you have any questions about orthodontics or simply would like to hear more fun facts about orthodontics, Dr. Lauren Cai would love to hear from you. Dr. Cai is dedicated to helping patients in the Vancouver and Longview area achieve beautiful, healthy smiles. Contact Dr. Cai and her team for more information in our Longview office at (360) 425-8210, or in our Vancouver office at (360) 882-5090. Or, schedule an appointment now by filling out the appointment request form if you’re interested in beginning your orthodontic treatment plan to create the beautiful smile you deserve. We cannot wait to hear from you! 

Dr. Lauren Cai

  • Longview Office - 870 12th Ave., Longview, WA 98632 Phone: 360-425-8210 Fax: 360-577-1605
  • Vancouver Office - 15593 S.E. Mill Plain Blvd., Vancouver, WA 98684 Phone: 360-882-5090 Fax: 360-882-5121

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