We all know someone who has braces, in one way or another. Statistics show that at least 70 percent of American teenagers require braces at one point in their lives. Count yourself extremely lucky if you happen to fall in the other 30 percent who were born with perfect teeth. When we look at the television and watch our favorite actors and actresses in our much loved shows, do we look beyond their smiles and wonder what kind of work was required to achieve that perfect set of pearly whites? Some of us don’t. We take it for granted that because they are stars, they are naturally born with talent and good looks.

Braces are simply defined in dentistry as an appliance that is wired or fixed to the teeth with the purpose of straightening them. Braces have evolved during the times, depending on the type of technology used to create them. The articulating microscope, for example, has helped reform braces. The type of articulating microscope essential in the construction of dental braces is the one with the mobile stand, which makes it easier to maneuver in any kind of workspace. This kind of articulating microscope allows for the flexibility and portability in medical research as well, pertaining to cells, drugs and tissue examination. Not only is the articulating microscope a crucial element in the production of dental braces and other wire instruments, it is also a valuable equipment to have in the research laboratory. It is ideal mainly because it allows craftsmen, scientists and researchers to work with very small objects easily and accurately.
Now that we have the tools to make dental braces smaller and less conspicuous, the notion of braces being equated with being a nerd or a social outcast is fast disappearing as well, with the use of braces in family-oriented TV shows like the Brady Bunch, The Cosby Show and Mr. Belvedere. A-list stars like Tom Cruise, Ashley Judd and Gwen Stefani have been known to wear braces in their adulthood, giving off the idea that braces are fun and hip in this generation. Music videos, European TV shows and even athletes are sporting dental braces. Daughters of former presidents like Amy Carter and Chelsea Clinton had braces while their fathers were presidents. British royalty like Prince Harry has been photographed countless times in his teens with dental braces.

Turn on your TV and you’ll find that braces nowadays are not just the standard dull metal gray, but can be seen in an array of colors. Thanks to handy equipment like the articulating microscope, dental braces are constructed to be less obvious. So rather than whine about them and complain that you stand out because you have a mouth full of metal, think of dental braces in a positive light. While you have them, you can play around with the colors to match your outfits. When you eventually have them removed, you’ll have a set of perfect straight teeth guaranteed to make you look like a movie star. So smile and keep on smiling!