If you are thinking of getting braces, you're not alone. As many as 4 million people wear braces, and a quarter of them are adults. So if you want to be a 'brace face' for the next while to straighten your teeth, you aren't in a unique situation by any means. Here are 3 things you don't know about traditional braces that can help you gain better respect and understanding for the metal teeth straightening tool.

They're nothing new

The concept of using metal to straighten teeth has actually been around since before 400 BC, where mummified remains of humans were discovered with metal bands around their teeth. Catgut was also used to help fuse teeth together to close gaps between them. Braces as we know them now have been evolving since the 70s, but were introduced in a more modern way in the early 1900s. Gold used to be the among the most common metals for braces (wrapped around each tooth individually) due to its ease of shaping.

They're not all metal

While clear braces that resemble a mouth guard are growing in popularity, the majority of patients still wear the traditional metal-style braces most people are familiar with. This is because metal braces can more accurately straighten severely crooked teeth or correct over or under bites that afflict many people. If metal isn't your thing but you aren't a candidate for clear braces, you're in luck: there are tooth-colored braces available as well that do the job of metal styles without being as obvious on your teeth.

You are looking at years of wear

The average patient wears braces for 24 months in order to achieve the results they are looking for. You can wear them for shorter time periods, but to speed up the tooth straightening results you often have to have dental or jaw surgeries that can be quite painful. If you are going to get traditional braces, be ready to be in it for the long haul. Your orthodontist can explain to you just how long you will have to wear braces and why so you can gain a better understanding as to what to expect to get the results you want.

If you are getting braces to improve your smile, know that you are among millions of Americans doing the same thing. It may take a while to achieve the straight and even smile you want, but seeing your new smile can make everything totally worth it. For more information, contact companies like Reed & Sahlaney Orthodontics, LLP.