Braces go way back. In fact, braces have been found on ancient Egyptians! The first evidence of appliances being used for orthodontics dates back to 1000 BC! Mummies have been found with crude metal bands around their teeth and in ancient Greece, appliances were used to maintain space and prevent collapse of the teeth. However orthodontics did not become a dental specialty until the early 1930’s, but even at that, orthodontics is dentistry’s oldest specialty!
More recently, braces were made by Dr. Pierre Fauchard, a French physician who has been credited as being the “father of modern dentistry”. In 1728, Dr. Fauchard made his braces with a flat strip of metal, which was connected to the teeth by pieces of thread.
The little metal brackets that comprise braces were invented by Dr. Edward Angle in 1915. The brackets were made of little hooks of metal, which were attached to bands which went around your teeth. Dr. Angle modified his design, producing the edgewise bracket in 1928 that is similar to what we use today.
The first true braces were made of gold. In the early 1900’s, orthodontists used 18-karat gold for wires, bands and other orthodontic parts. Gold was used because it is very easy to shape and mold. However, patients had to be seen by the orthodontist very frequently for adjustments because the gold would get too soft and stop moving the teeth. The sheer expense of gold made orthodontic treatment prohibitive for most people back then.
Stainless steel was developed during World War II for the construction of battleships, aircraft carriers and weapons. It became a great replacement for gold in the manufacture of braces for orthodontic treatment. Braces also became much more affordable to millions of more people as a result.
Braces are not magnetic! Some of the modern wires that orthodontists use today are mixed with nickel titanium or copper titanium, a technology that was actually developed by NASA! Braces are not made with iron components, so that’s why they are not magnetic.
Before glue was used to place brackets on the teeth, braces used to wrap all the way around each tooth (the proverbial “train tracks”)! The adhesive used to attach modern day brackets to the teeth wasn’t developed until the 1970’s. The way the adhesive adheres to the teeth is actually more like Velcro than a chemical glue.
Having braces does NOT increase your risk of getting hit by lightning!
Two people with braces cannot become “locked” together when they kiss!
Braces don’t set off metal detectors. You’ll never have to worry about setting off alarms while going through airport security!
Braces don’t pick up radio transmissions.
You’re never too old for braces! Adults want straight teeth too! In fact, millions of people over age 18 are currently in orthodontic treatment.
Check out this list of celebrities who recently have had braces! Emma Watson, Tom Cruise, Katy Perry, Prince Harry, Justin Bieber, Gwen Stefani, Drew Barrymore, Dakota Fanning and many more.
Wear your retainers! About 25% of all orthodontic patients compromise their end result because they do not wear their retainers as instructed!
By Dr. Gary Reichhold
