History of Braces and Orthodontics

As a San Diego Orthodontist, I have been asked about the history of braces and orthodontics.If you think braces have just been around for the last 20 years or so you'll be surprised to find out that they date back as far as man himself just about .So this speaks highly of fashion and the demand according to its importance that has been placed on it over many years. This is known because mummies that have been discovered have been found with metal bands that have been wrapped around individual teeth with the purpose being to close the gaps.

There have been findings like this on numerous occasions throughout the years. Then of course, one must not forget about George Washington and his wooden teeth.

Dentists have always been trying to find the perfect solution to correct bad bites. As far back as 1728 there was books written on different ways to straighten teeth. There is no shortage of innovative and creative ideas of different apparatuses to achieve success.

There always has been some sort of a battle over who was the first Orthodontist. When it comes to the most significant findings on malocclusions though there were many concerning braces. Probably one of the best designers was a dentist named J.Farrar. He was the first that came up with the idea of using a little bit of force to get the teeth to move back into place.

With the beginning of the 1900s, Edward Angle came up with a classification for them. The first classification is still being used today, which are malocclusions. The system is based on determining the degree of the need of correction for the teeth.

When it came, down to wearing braces in the 1900s, it was referred to as the metal mouth and it was not unusual to find substances such as gold, steel and sometimes even ivory and copper to form the loops. These were needed according to the design of the braces.

In comparison to the braces today, one has to admit we have certainly come a long way although the concept remains the same.