Research suggests that orthodontic treatment has existed in various forms since as long ago as Ancient Egypt. It goes without saying that modern braces are both more effective and more comfortable than ancient versions of orthodontic treatment. For example, we can probably assume that catgut didn’t work quite as well as the archwires that we use today in orthodontics.
At Trapnell Orthodontics, we’re happy for the modern technology that makes orthodontic treatment so effective for our patients around Utah County. Whether you’re interested in traditional braces, ceramic braces, or Invisalign, orthodontic alignment is easier and more comfortable than ever before. Read on to learn more about the history of braces.
Ancient Forms of Braces
Archaeologists have turned up numerous mummified remains that suggest Ancient Egyptians used a crude form of braces to close gaps between teeth. Instead of metal archwires, Egyptians used catgut–a kind of cordage made from the dried-out intestines of sheep (yuck).
Archaeologists have also concluded that ancient Greeks and Etruscans used a kind of mouth guard to align and preserve the teeth of their deceased. This was done to ensure that these deceased would have good teeth when they moved into the afterlife. Further along in history, the Romans showed some subtle signs that they utilized a kind of orthodontic treatment. Certain deceased from that era had small gold wires on their teeth, similar to modern ligatures, that led to the theory that the Romans cared about their dental alignment.
Interestingly, after the Romans, there is not much evidence suggesting that any other ancient cultures practiced orthodontics. It wasn’t until around the 18th century that the practice returned in Europe.
The Emergence of Braces as we Know Them
It wasn’t until the 18th and 19th centuries that orthodontics truly began to gain momentum. It was specifically 1819, when a man named Delabarre invented the first wire crib, that modern orthodontics began to take form. In the 1840s, the first elastics were created, cut from rubber tubing to help pull teeth into alignment.
Into the 20th century, the technology continued to evolve, along with literature surrounding orthodontics. That said, braces in the early 20th century didn’t look much like braces today. Orthodontists back then used materials like ivory and gold to make braces, which were more expensive and less sturdy than the materials we use today. The American Association of Orthodontics (AAO) was founded in the 1930s, which helped to standardize the practice of orthodontics, and ultimately led to orthodontics as we know it today.
Do you Need Orthodontic Treatment?
If you or your child might need braces, call us at 801-465-2541 to schedule a consultation. You can also contact us here.
