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With the new year fast approaching, why not think about taking the next step toward a more beautiful smile? Orthodontics used to be seen as something mainly for children and teens, but today it’s becoming more popular among adults too. Regardless of your age, orthodontic treatments can change your smile by straightening your teeth and aligning your bite!
According to the American Association of Orthodontists, braces didn’t always have the advanced technology they do today. Originally, they used primitive devices to straighten crooked teeth, close gaps, and fix bite issues.
Then: A Blast From The Past
- When the ancient Greeks employed braces, they utilized gold wires. The use of crude dental appliances wasn’t limited to the Greeks; the ancient Romans also buried their deceased with similar devices.
- Egyptian mummies show that in ancient times, they used bands made of catgut (yes, animal intestines!) to straighten crooked teeth.
- In the 18th century, a resourceful Frenchman named Pierre Fauchard created a “bandeau” made of metal attached to gold wires, shaped like a horseshoe, to straighten teeth.
- The early 1900s saw dentists using a range of materials like platinum, gold, silver, copper, steel, brass, rubber, ivory, and wood to straighten teeth. They also developed bands, wires, loops, clasps, spurs, ligatures, and hooks to correct dental alignment.
- In the 1970s, modern braces began to dominate the orthodontic field. Bulky wires and headgear became a thing of the past. Instead, dental adhesive was used to bond stainless steel brackets directly to the teeth. During this time, lingual braces also emerged, with the hardware attached to the back of the teeth rather than prominently in front, as was customary. Additionally, tooth-colored brackets started to be used.
Today: Modern Advances In Orthodontics And Bite Correction
- The 1990s in the U.S. found dentists concentrating on correcting bites and creating systems to classify malocclusions.
- In the early 2000s, dentists introduced a discrete type of orthodontics known as clear aligners. These “braces” were nearly invisible and could also be removed.
- This allowed you to enjoy all your favorite foods without restrictions, and you could easily brush and floss your teeth without dealing with orthodontic hardware. Say goodbye to wires and food getting stuck in brackets!
Today’s Invisible Braces
- When it comes to orthodontic care for today’s patients, systems that utilize clear plastic aligners to straighten teeth have become a preferred treatment option, and for good reasons.
- Other subtle choices include ceramic braces, which feature brackets that match the color of your teeth for a more natural blend with your smile.
- Archwires have advanced from stainless steel to nickel- or copper-titanium versions. These wires are sensitive to temperature, meaning they use your natural body heat to move your teeth.
- Lingual braces perform their teeth-straightening magic from behind your teeth rather than in front.
We can’t help but appreciate how orthodontic treatment has evolved over the centuries when we see the modern options available today! If you’re ready to address your teeth and bite concerns, feel free to contact our skilled and experienced team to schedule a complimentary consultation.
With the range of orthodontic treatment choices open to you, there’s no need to feel self-conscious about your smile anymore. Allow us to assist you in beginning the New Year with a straighter, more beautiful smile!