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Orthodontist: history and fun facts

Everything a curious kid might want to know about this job.

Did you know?

😁

Braces work by using gentle pressure. Over time, that pressure helps teeth slowly move to a new spot!

Through history

  1. πŸ“œ

    Long ago

    People have tried to straighten teeth for a very long time. Early helpers used simple tools and patience to guide teeth into place.

Tools of the trade

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Braces

Small pieces stuck on the teeth, joined by a thin wire. The wire gently moves each tooth a tiny bit at a time.

A day in the job

  • Morning check-inThe orthodontist looks at a patient's smile and takes pictures of the teeth. Then they plan the next small step.

Words to know

Alignment
Alignment means how teeth line up in a neat row, like kids standing in a line for a photo.

Quiz time

  • An orthodontist only fixes teeth that have little holes.