When Were Braces Invented?
Modern braces, as we know them today, trace their origins back to Christophe-Francois Delabarre’s invention in 1819. However, the concept of aligning teeth has ancient roots dating thousands of years back. In this blog post, we’ll explore the history of braces and orthodontic treatments, from the earliest documentation to modern-day techniques.
Braces in Ancient Civilizations
Evidence of primitive braces have been uncovered in ancient Egyptian, Greek, and Roman societies. While we may not know exactly how they used them, archaeological findings give us some great insights.
Orthodontics in Ancient Egypt
Ancient Egyptian mummies have been found with metal bands wrapped around the teeth and held in place with cords made from sheep or horse intestines—commonly known as catgut. This device applied pressure on the teeth, prompting them to shift into alignment. The design and concept of catgut braces bear a remarkable resemblance to modern orthodontic technology, except that orthodontists now use metal instead of animal intestines. Ancient Egyptians attributed great importance to meticulously preserving bodies to ensure a safe and prosperous afterlife.e. Historians speculate that the braces found on mummies were likely applied post-mortem to maintain proper tooth alignment in the afterlife.
Orthodontics in Ancient Greece and Rome
Like the ancient Egyptians, the ancient Greeks and Romans used a variety of orthodontic devices, including braces made of gold, silver, bronze, and iron. While their braces were not as sophisticated as modern braces, they were still effective at straightening teeth and improving smiles.
Around 400 B.C., the famous ancient Greek physician Hippocrates wrote the first known description of tooth irregularities. He also developed a number of new orthodontic techniques. The influential Classical Greek philosopher Socrates also mentioned orthodontics in his work, describing how Etruscan women used gold bands to keep their teeth in place even after death.
In addition, the Roman philosopher Aulus Cornelius Celsus documented the earliest known orthodontic treatment, which involved applying finger pressure to gradually move teeth. This was a significant milestone in the history of orthodontics.
Medieval and Renaissance Orthodontics
During the Middle Ages and Renaissance, orthodontics continued to develop under the guidance of barber-surgeons, who were skilled in both grooming and medical procedures, including dentistry. One common method used by barber-surgeons to straighten teeth was to extract teeth to create space, a painful and often dangerous procedure. Another method was to apply pressure to teeth using ligatures (bands of wire or cord), which was effective but uncomfortable and could take years to produce results.
Ambroise Paré, a French barber-surgeon, made one of the most notable advancements in orthodontics during this time period: the expansion arch. This device widens the upper jaw, treating malocclusions such as crossbites and overcrowded teeth. Despite the limitations of the time, barber-surgeons made significant contributions to orthodontics, laying the foundation for modern orthodontic treatments.
Modern Day Braces and Orthodontic Treatments
The development of modern braces began in the 18th century with the invention of the wire crib by Christophe-Francois Delabarre in 1819. The wire crib was a horseshoe-shaped device that was placed over the teeth and used to apply pressure to move them into alignment.
In the 19th century, orthodontists began to develop more sophisticated braces made of stainless steel and other materials. These braces were more effective and comfortable than the earlier braces, and they helped to make orthodontic treatment more accessible to people of all social classes.
In the 20th century, orthodontics continued to advance rapidly. New types of braces were developed, such as self-ligating braces and clear aligners. Self-ligating braces use special clips to hold the wires in place, which reduces the need for adjustments and makes treatment more comfortable. Clear aligners are removable trays that are made of a clear plastic material. They are almost invisible when worn, and they have become a popular alternative to traditional braces.
Today, orthodontics is a highly advanced field of dentistry. Orthodontists have a wide range of tools and techniques at their disposal to help patients of all ages achieve a healthy and beautiful smile.
Get in Touch with Frey Orthodontics for Advanced Orthodontic Treatment Options
At Frey Orthodontics, we use cutting-edge technology and the latest techniques to ensure you achieve the desired smile results and more. Through leveraging the most recent advancements in orthodontics, we strive to deliver the highest quality of care. Take the first step towards your orthodontic journey by scheduling a free consultation today!