Most people think of braces as a modern invention that we have only been using recently beginning in the 20th century. Although this might be the beginning of the style of braces today, there is great evidence that people in the past were experimenting with some form of braces. Timber Pines residents might be shocked to know that the idea of straightening teeth and fixing various dental conditions can be traced as far back as ancient Greece in the use 400-300 BC respectively. There have been many bodies dug up throughout history that have had some type of metalwork or a type of chord that was used to have their teeth changed.
The 18th Century
Modern orthodontics is traced back to a French dentist with the name Pierre fauchard who published a book titled The Surgeon Dentist. In this book is some of the first examples of modern orthodontic practices to help straighten teeth. Similar to braces, Timber Pines residents might be interested in knowing that Pierre Fauchard used a metal horseshoe shaped device to expand the arch of someone’s mouth. Even though modern orthodontics and braces can be traced back to the 18th century, it was not a common practice nor was it wide spread, even among the rich and wealthy.
The 21st Century
We have come a long way from even the simplest form of orthodontics and something that resembles braces. Timber Pines residents nowadays do not even have to have metal wiring in their mouth as the material for their braces. Ceramic or plastic are now cheaper alternatives to traditional style braces that do just as good of a job as traditional braces. Now, many people after their braces have come off do not have to worry about their teeth shifting because modern orthodontics makes us wear a retainer afterwards to keep our teeth from shifting.
*Disclaimer: The views expressed here are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent or reflect the views of Anchor Dental Care*