People have been using orthodontic braces to straighten their teeth since at least 3000 B.C., as evidenced by archeologists, who have discovered catgut-based braces in the mouths of some ancient Egyptian mummies. Orthodontics has come a long way since then, and dentists now use various tools and techniques to address malocclusion (bad bite) and related smile imperfections. Traditional metal braces that have long been a rite of passage of sorts for many school-age children are still used to align teeth, correct gaps, and address other bite issues. However, dentists can also turn to alternative treatments, such as Invisalign®, to address many malocclusion issues.

Pearly white coloration is typically the first attribute that comes to most people’s minds when considering the aesthetics that make up an ideal smile. However, the color of our teeth enamel is challenged by food, drink, tobacco, medications, trauma, genetics, medications, aging, poor dental hygiene, and other factors, which means that most people struggle to keep their teeth white.

While dental veneers have emerged as an important tool for cosmetic and functional dentistry, many people still think of them as high-priced cosmetic teeth coverings actors get to create the “Hollywood smile.” Indeed, a California dentist invented the first dental veneers in 1928 by temporarily bonding acrylic shells to the front teeth of his Hollywood star clients. With that fix noticeably enhancing the smiles of those celebrities, dentists worked on discovering more realistic and workable veneer materials over the ensuing decades and expanded their application to resolve other dental issues.