Everyone knows that there are many types of orthodontic treatments available today, but before we reached the efficient service we have now, humanity made numerous attempts to straighten teeth, leading to a history of orthodontic evolution spanning over 4,000 years.According to the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, archaeologists have discovered that the ancient …
Everyone knows that there are many types of orthodontic treatments available today, but before we reached the efficient service we have now, humanity made numerous attempts to straighten teeth, leading to a history of orthodontic evolution spanning over 4,000 years.
According to the American Journal of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, archaeologists have discovered that the ancient Egyptians were the first civilization to practice dental alignment. They discovered significant evidence in the form of “mummies with metal wrapped around their teeth.” These mummies showed two methods of dental alignment:
- Filling gaps left by missing teeth with another tooth and securing it with gold or silver wire, similar to modern-day dental bridges.
- Bracing teeth with metal rods and wrapping them with animal gut strings to maintain the desired shape of the teeth. Scholars believe this was done for deceased individuals to ensure they were reborn in a more perfect and beautiful body, according to ancient Egyptian beliefs.
This practice was somewhat similar to the Etruscans when the era predated the founding of Rome. They used a “mouthguard” made of gold to cover the teeth of deceased women to preserve their facial structure. Thus, early orthodontic practices were mainly for those who had already passed away.
The First Civilization to Straighten Teeth
The first civilization to practice orthodontics for aesthetic purposes on living individuals was the Roman Empire. They used thin gold wires, known as ligature wires, to gradually move teeth into the desired position. This was the last vestige record of orthodontic practice before the vestige disappeared for a long time.
How did it continue?
With the rise of modern medicine in the 18th century in the Western world, serious studies in medical science began. This led to the emergence of the father of modern dentistry, Pierre Fauchard, a French surgeon-dentist known for his groundbreaking work, including his book “The Surgeon Dentist” and the first orthodontic appliance, shaped like a horseshoe, called “Bandeau.” This was rumored to be the secret behind the beautiful smile of Queen Marie Antoinette of France.
In the 19th century, a dentist invented the Crib Wire, a semicircular wire device placed directly on teeth to align them. This invention garnered significant interest, leading to orthodontics being established as a separate field from general dentistry, and the use of rubber in orthodontics began in 1843.
In the 20th century, there were several significant advancements, such as the development of braces that could be bonded directly to teeth, evolving into the brackets we use today. Materials also changed from gold and silver to stainless steel, making orthodontic treatment more accessible. Additionally, a special adhesive, known as bracket adhesive, was developed specifically for orthodontics, and lingual braces, which are placed behind the teeth, were introduced.
Invisalign Clear Aligners
In 1997, a revolutionary innovation in orthodontics was introduced: clear aligners, known as Invisalign, by Align Technology, the world’s first provider of this technology. Inspired by retainers used to maintain teeth positions after braces, they developed clear aligners that fit comfortably, move teeth gently yet effectively, and provide shorter treatment times compared to traditional metal braces. This has made Invisalign a popular choice among orthodontists worldwide for treating cases ranging from simple to complex.
Future Trends in Orthodontics
It is expected that advancements will continue to enhance treatment speed and comfort, incorporating AI, 3D printing, and robotics to improve digital dentistry for personalized diagnosis, treatment planning, and patient engagement. Experts predict that clear aligners will become even thinner and more comfortable as time progresses. Orthodontics has indeed come a long way and will continue to advance for the smiles of everyone!
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