The History of Orthodontics

There have been many advancements in orthodontics in recent years. However, it’s not exactly a new dental field. Orthodontic treatment and diagnosis have come a long way since catches and straps were used to hold teeth in place for centuries before breakthroughs occurred. Let’s learn more about the history of orthodontic care.

1. Middle Ages

In the Middle Ages, orthodontics was largely a folk remedy and consisted of using various straps and bands to hold teeth in place. The practice wasn’t very reliable, as the straps were often painful and could cause serious problems if used too long.

2. Late 18th Century

According to News Medical, major orthodontic breakthroughs occurred in the late 18th century. Edward Angle developed the first classification system for malocclusions or bad bites. This system was based on the number and size of teeth, as well as their alignment. Angle also developed what is known as the edgewise appliance, which is used to move teeth into the desired positions. The invention revolutionized orthodontics.

3. 20th Century

In the 20th century, the orthodontic field experienced more advancements with new materials, such as wires and brackets, which made the process more efficient. Additionally, specialists created different types of braces to correct a variety of malocclusions. These appliances included lingual braces that came out in the 1970s. Lingual braces fit behind the teeth, so they’re much more aesthetically pleasing than traditional metal braces.

4. 21st Century

Today, orthodontic treatments are even more successful thanks to new technologies such as 3D imaging, which helps orthodontists plan precise treatment plans with greater accuracy. Invisalign braces are also becoming more popular, as they are more discreet than traditional braces. Additionally, orthodontists now use digital scans to create clear aligners that fit perfectly on the patient’s teeth.

Future of Orthodontics

As technology continues to improve, so will the treatments and techniques used by orthodontists. Today, artificial intelligence, nanotechnology, and smart tech are already being leveraged to create more efficient and accurate orthodontic treatments. Some smart technology appliances can move teeth faster without additional office visits beyond the initial fitting.

The history of orthodontics is an interesting one, and it’s exciting to think of what advancements may come in the future. As technology continues to improve, we can expect orthodontic treatment to become even more successful. Contact David Ross Orthodontics today for a straighter, healthier smile.