History of Braces & Orthodontics – Part II of II

Looking back at the history of orthodontics is fascinating — especially considering the humble beginnings.  After the ancient Greeks implemented a crude system of braces to straighten the teeth, the next major advancement came in 1728 when French dentist, Pierre Fauchard, wrote the textbook called The Dental Surgeon.  In this innovative text, Fauchard dedicated a whole chapter on how to straighten the teeth.  Shortly thereafter another French dentist, Ettienne Bourdet, developed an appliance called the Bandeau, which was used to manipulate the configuration of the top and bottom dental arch.  Not until 1841 did the term “orthodontia” come into use, and by the mid 1850’s dentists used the first x-rays for diagnostic purposes.  By the late 1800’s several dentists had written about using mild force over time intervals to change the position of the teeth to improve the patient’s bite and appearance.  By the 1900’s dentists began using a specific system to classify the degree of misalignment of the teeth (called malocclusion), and this system is still in use today.  Before the 1970’s braces were not affixed directly to the front of the teeth; instead braces were made from metal bands that wrapped around the entire tooth.  Additionally, braces were not made from stainless steel, but all kinds of precious and semi-precious metals.  Some patients remember being teased about their braces and being called names such as “metal mouth” as a teen, but this is almost a thing of the past.  These days, braces can be made of clear plastic and are often times removable.  Additionally, it’s not just kids and teens that get braces.  At Summit Dental Center in Houston we have both adult and adolescent patients who get braces to straighten their teeth.  In fact, braces can improve a patient’s jaw alignment at almost any age during the teen years or adulthood.