The evolution of orthodontic braces has been one of the most impactful advances in the modern dentistry/orthodontic space. Thanks to modern braces, you can get a straighter smile in a few months – with little interruption to your daily life.
But have you ever wondered:
- What did the first braces look like?
- Who created braces?
- How long have people been using braces to straighten their teeth?
- What’s the evolution of orthodontic braces?
- What are the features of modern braces today?
- What are the new advances in orthodontics?
Braces have a surprisingly long history, and they’ve evolved a lot over the last few centuries.
Let’s take a look at the evolution of orthodontics and how you can benefit from the recent advances in orthodontics with a trusted orthodontist!
When Were Braces Created?
If you’re like most people, you probably think that braces are a modern-day phenomenon. That’s understandable, but history shows that some of our earliest ancestors wanted straighter teeth.
Archaeologists have uncovered skeletons with metal and stone attached to their teeth. And guess what acted as the wire? Cat skin!
Ancient Egyptians used gold for straightening their teeth, while the Roman elite used routine hand pressure to try and move teeth into position. That means braces have been around for thousands of years!
Who Created Braces?
So, who created braces as we know them today?
While these fantastical methods were revolutionary, they failed to provide long-term results and don’t exactly sound comfortable.
The modern braces we know and love were invented by Dr. Pierre Fauchard, a French physician, in the 1700s. His work, The Surgeon Dentist, advocated for the use of a mouthguard device to try and push teeth into alignment.
After Fauchard, Pierre Bourdet continued to enhance orthodontic appliances, making improvements so braces were more comfortable and easier to use. But it would still be another 200 years before metal braces became popular.
What Did The First Braces Look Like?
In the 1900s, dentists began to use ivory, zinc, and copper to treat patients. Even though these advancements with the use of new materials led to better braces improvements, many people still couldn’t afford the treatment—metal braces remained out of reach for most people.
It wasn’t until the 1950s that metal braces really took off. That’s when new alloys were created that were more durable and more affordable. And so began the modern braces revolution!
The Evolution Of Orthodontic Braces
There has been quite an evolution of orthodontics since those early days. Thankfully, new advances in orthodontics have provided plenty of options for patients looking for straighter teeth – and none involve cat-skin wires.
In the 1970s, orthodontists started to use dental adhesive to affix braces to teeth instead of relying on metal bands. This led to a decrease in the number of visits patients needed and also made braces more comfortable.
The evolution of orthodontic braces continued with braces improvements as materials like stainless steel, titanium, and even clear plastic became more popular. In the 1980s, ceramic braces were created, using tooth-colored brackets that blended in with teeth and made the hardware even less noticeable.
Modern Braces: Traditional Brackets, Ceramic, And Invisalign
One of the new advances in orthodontics is the development of Invisalign, a braces treatment that uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth slowly.
Invisalign has become one of the most popular braces treatments – it’s comfortable and discreet, and treatment can sometimes be completed in a shorter time frame than traditional metal braces.
A variety of other braces are available today, including traditional metal and ceramic braces.
Traditional metal braces are still the most common and use brackets and wires to straighten teeth.
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional ones, using tooth-colored brackets that are less noticeable than metal braces.
Which Modern Braces Are Right For Me?
If you’re considering braces, you should speak with an orthodontist to determine which type of braces are the best fit for you. Every case is different, so the right type of braces for someone else might not be the best option for you.
Here’s a breakdown of each braces option and how they can help you achieve straighter teeth.
Traditional Metal Braces
Metal braces are the most common type of braces and are used to correct a wide variety of orthodontic issues. They use metal brackets and wires to straighten teeth.
With traditional metal braces, you can expect monthly visits to your orthodontist so they can adjust your braces. The treatment time for traditional metal braces can vary, but it’s typically around 18 to 24 months.
Ceramic Braces
Ceramic braces are similar to traditional metal braces but use tooth-colored brackets that are much less noticeable than metal braces.
They’re a good option for people who want their treatment to be a bit more discreet. But their discreetness doesn’t impact their effectiveness: ceramic braces work just as well as traditional metal braces.
Invisalign
Invisalign took recent advances in orthodontics to an entirely new level.
Invisalign uses a series of clear, custom-made aligners to straighten teeth. This treatment is comfortable, discreet, and can sometimes be completed in a shorter time frame than traditional braces – about 12 to 18 months on average.
One of the best things about Invisalign is that the aligners can be removed for eating and brushing your teeth, making it a great option for people who lead active lifestyles.
Get The Latest Advances In Orthodontics with Bates Braces Today
The evolution of orthodontic braces is pretty impressive. Thousands of years ago, people wanted straighter teeth and did what they could to make that happen. However, it wasn’t until the mid-1900s that braces improvements made braces effective and affordable for the general public.
Orthodontics and braces have come a long way – from gold-plated braces to modern braces treatments like Invisalign.
If you’re considering braces today, it’s a good idea to speak with an orthodontist to figure out which type of braces are the best fit for you.
At Bates Orthodontics, we’re proud to be a leading orthodontic care provider in the Richmond area. Our team of skilled orthodontists offers a variety of braces treatments, including traditional metal braces, ceramic braces, and Invisalign. We’re always on top of the new advances in orthodontics to bring you the most modern and effective care possible. We understand that every patient’s case is different, and we’ll work with you to find the best treatment option for your needs.
Contact us for a free consultation if you’re interested in starting your journey with braces today! We’d be happy to answer your questions and help you get a new smile you’ll love.
