History of Orthodontics
Sherwood, OR
 Senestraro Family Orthodontics offers many different orthodontic appliances to straighten your teeth. In doing so, we can help to improve your smile, the functions of your mouth, and your oral health. We tend to think of orthodontics as a modern field of dentistry. The truth, however, is that orthodontics has been around for quite a long time.
The Earliest Orthodontics
Orthodontic appliances have been found on remains dating back to the ancient Egyptians. Archaeologists have found remains with crooked teeth that had metal bands around their teeth. They think that catgut was used to apply the pressure necessary to shift the teeth into proper alignment.
Ancient Egyptians weren’t the only ones who used orthodontics. Archaeologists have also found remains of ancient Greeks and Romans with orthodontic appliances. In addition to these remains, ancient writings have been found that offer tips on how to deal with dental abnormalities.
The Beginning of Modern Orthodontics
Between ancient times and the 18th century, there was not much happening in the field of orthodontics. Pierre Fauchard, the man, called the father of dentistry, invented an appliance called the bandeau. This appliance was a metal band with holes in that fit around the teeth. Its function was to correct the alignment of crooked teeth. There were a few other methods of straightening crooked teeth during this time, including using forceps to move them by force and placing wooden wedges between the teeth.
In the 19th century, a type of headgear was invented. This orthodontic device put pressure on the teeth from the outside of the mouth and helped to shift them into proper alignment. It was also during this time that rubber was first used in orthodontics.
Into the 20th Century
In the 20th century, Edward Angle came up with the first classification system for bite issues. During a majority of this time, orthodontics involved wrapping wires around the teeth to correct their alignment. This all changed in the 1970s thanks to the development of dental adhesives.
It was during the 1970s that metal brackets were bonded to the teeth. Instead of gold or silver wires, stainless steel became the material of choice. These wires were attached to the brackets rather than wrapped around the teeth. Lingual braces were also invented around this time.
Orthodontics Today
Today, metal brackets and wires are still used to straighten teeth. Referred to as traditional braces, they remain one of the most effective orthodontic appliances available. They can treat a wide range of different issues.
While traditional braces are still used today, as are lingual braces, there are also many other types of orthodontic appliances available. Damon System braces are a self-litigating form of traditional braces. Damon Clear is the same as the Damon System braces except that the brackets are clear. This makes them much less noticeable. Ceramic braces are similar to traditional braces except that they use ceramic brackets. There are also clear aligners, such as Invisalign®. This modern development uses aligners rather than brackets and wires and is the most discreet option available.
If you are interested in learning more about orthodontics, and finding out if orthodontic treatment is right for you, call Senestraro Family Orthodontics at (503) 925-8899 today. |
