RSSBraces no longer a terrible burden for adult dental care
The TV show Ugly Betty, in which a less-than-perfect-looking young woman tries to make her way in the fashion industry, was fiercely criticized by the British Orthodontic Society for misrepresenting the way cosmetic dentistry is performed in the modern era.
Betty in the show has been presented with heavy metal braces which look like train tracks – a style almost never prescribed to adults and rarely worn for more than two years when they are. Betty has worn them on the show for three seasons, suggesting they have been on for three years.
Cosmetic dentistry has taken advantage of modern technology to allow for more subtle and effective orthodontic work. Braces can be clear or white, making them far less intrusive than they once were. There are even removable transparent devices which can correct minor issues.
Straightening the teeth can be an important part of overall dental health. Crooked teeth often result in unhealthy gums as they can be more difficult to clean. In addition, straightening the teeth can improve chewing, speaking and even some health problems associated with poor jaw positioning.