It is amazing the changes that have taken place with technology over the last few decades. Cell phones keep getting thinner, all the information in the world is available at any time to most people, and we are riding in self-driving cars. Orthodontics is a field that keeps progressing forward as well. Gone are the days of metal braces being the only option for patients. Here are just a few ways that braces have changed.
The First Braces
Ancient Egypt was the first place they found evidence of braces. Mummies had corrected teeth that had a cord running along them made from dried animal skin (so people of today, consider yourselves lucky). Throughout that time frame, archaeologists also found evidence of retainers that slowly applied pressure on the teeth. Most notably, an ancient Roman named Aulus Cornelius Celsus was the birth father of braces. He wrote down his attempts to straighten his teeth with a few methods, including a woven gold wire placed along the teeth.
Further Evolution
The technology of orthodontics came to a standstill during the dark ages until the late 1700s. The French were the first to begin taking dentistry to an entirely new level. They created mouth guards that applied pressure at specific points to help straighten teeth. They also were the first to remove the “wisdom teeth” to prevent overcrowding. In 1819, Christophe-Francoise Delabarre officially invented braces as we know them today. He created a woven wire that was placed on both sets of teeth that straightened them over a period of time.
The 20th century brought new techniques and tools that were used to straighten teeth further. Because of the lack of a proper bonding agent, the wire had to be wrapped around each individual tooth. The sharp edges of the wires were far from comfortable. Not to mention, the poor aesthetics of having a mouth full of metal. Braces were only for the very rich, as the only metal malleable enough for these braces was gold.
Braces Breakthrough
The 1970s was a time of many breakthroughs in technology. Computers, movie special effects, music and orthodontics. With new bonding agents, the use of stainless steel, and new techniques created metal braces that we know today. Orthodontists discovered the best placement and developed strategies that allowed people to wear braces for less time and with less pain. The use of alternative metals also made braces much more affordable for the average person. As a result, more people were investing in a straighter smile, leading to even more research.
Modern Invisible Braces
There are even more options when it comes to straightening teeth now than ever before. In the past, you used to only have the choice of big bulky metal braces or painful retainers. Thankfully, now invisible braces, like Invisalign are available to most patients as an alternative to metal. They fit on the teeth naturally and can be removed when you’re eating or when they need cleaning. Many people love the convenience and look of invisible braces.
What is next?
It is amazing how much things have changed in orthodontics over the years. It is no doubt that braces will be less and less invasive in our everyday lives. Experts theorise that invisible braces will become thinner and more comfortable as time goes on. Some speculate that braces will be a thing of the past, and orthodontists will be able to straighten teeth quicker using computerised techniques. Whichever direction braces go, it is truly amazing how important a straight smile has been from the beginning of civilisation.
So, now you know a bit more about how we got to this point with braces. If you are interested in any of our options please make sure to enquire today when you call 0161 768 0931 or fill in our enquiry form.