We love sharing our knowledge and passion for orthodontic treatment with our patients. If you’d like to know more about braces, we’d be delighted to meet you for a consultation in Clonmel or Newbridge.

In the meantime, here are some of our favourite fun facts about teeth braces.

1. Braces can do more than straighten teeth

Braces are best known for straightening teeth to improve the appearance of your smile, but they’re capable of so much more. Did you know they can reposition your jaws to help your teeth bite together correctly?

By moving your teeth and jaws into the optimum position, we can improve their function, avoid premature wear and make it easier for you to clean all the surfaces of your teeth.

2. All orthodontists are dentists (but not all dentists are orthodontists)

Orthodontists begin their careers as general dentists before choosing to specialise in orthodontics (straightening teeth).

After qualifying as a dentist, Dr. Jackie Bracken completed a Clinical Doctorate in Orthodontics. She is now a registered specialist with the Irish Dental Council and one of Tipperary’s most experienced orthodontists.

3. Braces can be (almost) invisible

If you’ve explored our website, you’ll know that metal braces aren’t the only way we can straighten teeth. You can now opt for more discreet options, including Invisalign and clear fixed braces.

Invisalign uses virtually invisible aligners to gently align your teeth, while clear brackets boast all the benefits of fixed braces.

Invisalign

4. There are hundreds of braces to choose from

Fuelled by the growing demand for braces, there are lots of appliances and brands to choose from. We’ve handpicked our braces because they offer unrivalled precision and incredible results.

Invisalign is a leading aligner system that’s transformed more than 14 million smiles. Other clear aligners may look similar, but they’re usually less capable and better suited to very simple cases.

5. The wire we use to move your teeth was created by NASA

The archwires we use to align your teeth contain nickel-titanium, which was originally developed by NASA for the space program. These special wires are designed to react to heat and return to their original shape – straightening your teeth in the process.

We’ll change your archwires periodically throughout your treatment to gradually guide your teeth towards our goal.

6. Even the Ancient Egyptians wore braces

Amazingly, archaeologists have uncovered mummies wearing metal or gold wire wrapped around their teeth. These crude braces may have been used for burial practices to improve the appearance of high-ranking individuals.

In around 400 BC, the ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote down the first-ever description of tooth irregularities. Hundreds of years later, Roman author Aulus Cornelius Celsus started using his finger to apply pressure to teeth to reposition them over time. Thankfully, things have progressed significantly since then.

7. The best age for a consultation is 8–10

There’s no age limit for orthodontic treatment, but there can be benefits to an early consultation.

If you bring your child to us for an assessment while they’re still growing, we can make sure everything is on track and act early if necessary. Early orthodontic treatment can avoid the need for more invasive solutions, for example, jaw surgery, later on.

8. Retainers are essential after braces

Orthodontic treatment doesn’t finish when your braces come off. To maintain the results of your transformation, you must wear retainers and follow your orthodontist’s aftercare advice. Otherwise, there’s a good chance your teeth will move and undo all your hard work.

When we remove your braces, we’ll fit removable and/or fixed retainers to hold your teeth in their new position. You’ll also benefit from one year of aftercare so we can oversee your progress and get you off to the best possible start.

To learn more about braces, arrange your no-obligation consultation with specialist orthodontist Dr. Jackie Bracken.