No
More “Metal Mouth”
Even today, when most adults think about orthodontics
they have images of the character “Jaws” from the James Bond movie series.
This mouth full of shining metal is truly a thing of the past compared
to modern-day braces that are smaller and less noticeable. For many adolescent
patients and even some adults, braces have become a fashion statement—some
are decorated in various colors at each visit to the orthodontist. There
are clear, ceramic braces for those of you who want to try and conceal
the fact that you are wearing them. There are braces that can be placed
behind the teeth for this same purpose. Braces in one form or another have
been in use for 100 years and continue to be the primary mechanism used
to move teeth. While braces definitely have their pain-evoking moments,
whether by sore teeth and/or mouth ulcers, these episodes are usually limited
to short periods of time and in the end, not a reason to avoid treatment.
As more and more people of all ages are seeking the benefits of orthodontic
treatment, it is this author’s opinion that what is really being sought
is the number-one benefit of orthodontic treatment—improved esthetics.
