The desire to have straight teeth for a perfect smile has existed for ages, and thanks to some great thinkers and innovators throughout the centuries, it’s now easier than ever to achieve. Many advances in orthodontics have taken us from metal bands around every tooth to brackets and wires to clear aligners.
Early Orthodontic Treatment in Ancient Greece, Egypt, and Rome
The first attempt at straightening teeth was found in the remains of ancient Egyptian mummies. Many mummies found had metal bands around the teeth, with catgut tied to them to provide pressure for moving the teeth.
Evidence has also been found that the ancient Greeks, Romans, and Etruscans (predecessors of the Romans in Italy) also used improvised orthodontic appliances.
Contemporary Orthodontics in the Mid-19th Century
Orthodontics started to become a separate dental specialty during the early 19th century. By the mid-19th century, dentistry employed wires and precious metals to make dental appliances. Christopher Francois Delabarre was the first to develop a device that resembles modern braces – it had plates placed on two teeth with wires to pull the teeth together.
Metal Braces in the Early 20th Century
During the 20th century, Edward Angle developed the first classification system for malocclusions (misaligned teeth) in the United States, and it is still in use today. The biggest challenge in the 20th century was to find an adhesive that could attach to the tooth. Instead, dentists wrapped wires around each tooth to pull them in place. Unfortunately, those techniques proved painful and took a long time to treat.
The first significant breakthrough came with a stronger adhesive that bonded with teeth and stainless-steel plates instead of silver or gold. These developments would pave the way for the introduction of modern adult braces.
The Late 1970s – Beginning of Align Technology (Clear Aligners)
The idea of invisible or clear braces began to grow in the 1970s. Two decades later, two Stanford students discovered that not wearing a clear retainer caused teeth to shift back to their positions before braces. Using 3D technology, they came up with a system used to create plastic retainers. These were based on scans of patients’ teeth. Monitoring the slow movement of tooth alignment would eventually lead to a process called Invisalign.
Orthodontics Today
Orthodontic technology today has become more comfortable and practical. There are several orthodontic treatments, including:
- Metal braces
- Ceramic braces
- Clear Aligners
- Use of digital X-Rays
Advanced Orthodontic Treatment in McAllen, TX
Here at Senan Orthodontic Studios, we believe that technological innovation in orthodontics significantly improves our patients’ experience. Our patients benefit from unique, cutting-edge orthodontic treatment options that harness the best and most efficient appliances available to build a healthy and dazzling smile. Contact us today to schedule your orthodontic evaluation in McAllen, TX!
Dr. Senan K. Ziadeh
BDS DDS MScD DScD CAGS Ortho
ABO Diplomate
Dr. Senan Ziadeh, a board-certified orthodontist, brings over two decades of experience to his practice, Senan Orthodontic Studios, in McAllen, Texas. His illustrious career spans three continents, where he acquired a vast array of post-doctoral degrees, including a Doctorate of Science in Dentistry (DScD) and a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Orthodontics (CAGS), culminating in his recognition as a Diplomate by the American Board of Orthodontics (ABO). Alongside his professional accomplishments, Dr. Ziadeh is a dedicated family man, enjoying diverse activities from traveling to music.
