Many people wonder when braces were invented. To shed light on the history and development of braces, Shark Dental Clinic has compiled detailed information in the article below. Let’s explore and find out exactly when braces were invented for teeth!
When were braces invented?
The use of orthodontic braces has existed since ancient times, but the method truly developed in the 19th century, with significant advancements occurring in the 20th and 21st centuries.
Around 400–300 BC, modern scientists found concrete evidence indicating that the ancient Greeks and Romans used appliances to align the spacing between teeth.
In the 18th century, French dentist Pierre Fauchard published the book “The Surgeon Dentist”, in which he was the first to introduce metal archwires and silver wires to reposition crooked teeth and expand the dental arch.
At that time, orthodontic appliances made of silver and metal were still quite rudimentary. They were fixed directly onto the teeth, often causing discomfort and making daily oral hygiene challenging. Therefore, in the 18th century, orthodontic treatment was largely restricted to the aristocracy.
The 19th century brought further advancements. In 1841, Joachim Lafoulon was the first to use the term “orthodontics.” Earlier, in 1819, the appliance known as the “wire crib” or “cage” was officially introduced. This device was constructed from metal wires welded together to fit the dental arch, and it was connected with additional wires and springs to form a cage that helped teeth move into the desired position.
This period marked the official application of braces in dentistry. Although braces were not yet widespread, this development was a memorable milestone in the history of braces worldwide.
Ancient civilisations that used braces
Throughout history, ancient civilizations made remarkable advancements in creating devices to correct crooked teeth.
The Egyptians
Archaeologists have discovered various ancient orthodontic appliances in Egyptian mummies. The ancient Egyptians used threads made from animal intestines, such as those of sheep or horses, to wrap around teeth in order to address spacing issues. These threads applied pressure to the teeth, helping widely spaced teeth move into the desired position. Interestingly, these orthodontic appliances were used not only for the living but also for the deceased, highlighting the Egyptians’ particular attention to dental aesthetics.
The Ancient Romans
Between 26 and 50 BC, the renowned Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus documented methods for using finger pressure to adjust tooth positions. This led him to hypothesize that teeth could indeed shift if subjected to prolonged force.
His discoveries paved the way for later orthodontic research. Subsequently, the Romans developed more sophisticated appliances, such as gold wires, to connect teeth, facilitating shifts and improving conditions like spacing and misalignment.
The Etruscans
The Etruscans, who were ancestors of the Romans, were among the first to use dental appliances in the form of pure gold bridges, which were placed in the mouths of the deceased as part of their burial ceremonies. These devices not only maintained spacing between teeth but also prevented the collapse or distortion of the jaw structure.
Often found in the graves of Etruscan women, these appliances demonstrate that even in ancient times, dental aesthetics played a significant role in cultural life, laying a strong foundation for the development of orthodontics in the future.
The Ancient Greeks
Archaeological findings have also revealed orthodontic appliances dating back to ancient Greece. These devices were known as “bridges” and applied gentle pressure to reposition crooked teeth. This indicates that, as early as ancient Greek times, there was already a concern for dental aesthetics and orthodontics in dentistry.
When were modern braces invented?
Modern orthodontic braces were invented around the year 1728 when Pierre Fauchard—known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry”—published his book “Le Chirurgien Dentiste”. This work provided a comprehensive perspective on dentistry, including aesthetic orthodontics.
In the book, Fauchard offered detailed and accurate descriptions of dental structures, related diseases, treatment methods, and the use of the bandeau appliance to straighten crooked teeth. This marked the foundational step toward the later development of modern dentistry.
In 1757, following Fauchard’s remarkable contributions, the French royal dentist Etienne Bourdet published another book titled “L’Art du Dentiste”. In this work, he advanced and refined orthodontic methods, particularly enhancing the use of the bandeau appliance.
The bandeau was capable of expanding the dental arch, adjusting tooth positions, and creating a more even, healthy smile. Additionally, Bourdet was the first to propose the extraction of wisdom teeth to reduce crowding and prevent common oral health issues.
Thanks to the pioneering studies and inventions of Pierre Fauchard and Etienne Bourdet, aesthetic dentistry made significant progress, paving the way for the development of orthodontics. Their contributions demonstrated that braces not only improve chewing function but also enhance overall dental aesthetics.
>>> Read more: How much do braces cost in Ho Chi Minh City?
When were clear aligners invented?
Clear aligners were perfected by Zia Chishti, a Stanford University student, in 1997. With the assistance of his friends, Chishti developed the concept of the Invisalign clear aligner system.
His idea stemmed from his personal experience. After undergoing traditional orthodontic treatment with fixed retainers, he encountered various difficulties and inconveniences. Chishti realized that wearing a removable retainer could effectively align crooked teeth.
In 1997, together with his friend Kelsey Wirth, Chishti began searching for developers to bring the Invisalign clear aligner to fruition. They applied 3D imaging technology to track and evaluate tooth movement and explored different plastics to create aligners that could gradually shift teeth into the desired position.
After approximately three years of research and trials, Invisalign clear aligners were officially approved in 2000 and quickly became widely used – a treatment that continues to be popular today.
The information above provides valuable insights into the history of orthodontics, addressing when braces and clear aligners were invented. We hope this helps you gain interesting knowledge about the development of orthodontic treatment and inspires you to achieve a healthy, straight, and confident smile!
