Orthodontists are dental specialists who assess and treat dental issues such as crossbites, overbites, gaps between teeth, and crooked teeth. They use dental appliances to resolve issues with the teeth and jaw, including the following:
- Bite plane
- Bite splint
- Forsus springs
- Palatal expander
- Retainers
Orthodontists also use braces, which are one of the most common dental appliances. Approximately four million Americans wear braces, and orthodontists use braces to treat patients of all ages.
Like all medical appliances, braces have evolved since their creation. Patients have several options when choosing braces, including metal, self-ligating, gold, and invisible braces.
Early Orthodontic Practices
Teeth are essential for your health; people need teeth to speak and chew food. Crooked teeth, gaps between teeth, overbites, and underbites all interfere with those functions, so it isn’t surprising that the history of orthodontic braces goes back to the 5th Century BC.
Although people used metals to bind teeth thousands of years ago, the evolution of braces took a significant step forward in the 1700s when a French dentist named Pierre Fauchard produced a dental textbook, including research and treatment recommendations for orthodontic issues, including how to straighten teeth.
French dentist Christophe-Francois Delabarre is credited with inventing modern braces. His categorizations of malocclusions paved the way for new treatments addressing various orthodontic issues.
Many advancements over the last two hundred years have contributed to the refinement of early dental appliances, making them more effective, comfortable, and affordable.
Emergence Of Modern Orthodontics
The first dentists specializing in orthodontic treatments began practicing in the 19th Century. American dentists such as Norman Kingsley, John Nutting Farrar, and Edward Hartley Angle made significant contributions to the field of orthodontics and helped improve treatments and appliances. Thanks to their research and contributions, orthodontics became a recognized dental specialty.
Development Of Aesthetic Braces
Wearing braces for a few years can transform your teeth, dental health, and face shape. Since it’s more challenging to clean crooked teeth properly and more difficult to chew food with a significant overbite or underbite, correcting these issues improves oral health, helping prevent cavities, gum erosion, and periodontitis. In some cases, individuals could lose teeth and suffer from other severe health issues because of untreated malocclusions and misaligned teeth.
Although braces are a standard part of an effective treatment plan, many people dislike wearing them. For example, metal braces are noticeable, and children with braces may be self-conscious when wearing them.
Aesthetic braces made it less noticeable to wear braces. Lingual braces arrived in the later part of the 20th Century. These braces wrap around the back of your teeth, making them harder to see.
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Technological Advancements
Technological advancements throughout the history of braces include changes in materials. In the mid-1800s, gum elastics and rubber bands were introduced. In the late 1800s, dentists began using X-rays to diagnose orthodontic issues.
By the end of the 20th Century, invisible braces were an option. Dental appliance companies can now produce invisible braces from 3D scans using medical-grade plastic, eliminating the need for dental molds. In addition to being almost impossible to see, some invisible braces are removable and produce results faster than traditional metal braces.
Personalization And Customization
Although invisible braces are a popular option, they are more expensive than traditional braces. Thanks to aesthetic improvements, those who opt for traditional braces can customize them.
Metal and ceramic braces have brackets that are attached to your teeth. Instead of square brackets, you can choose different shapes, including the following:
- Cats
- Diamonds
- Flowers
- Footballs
- Hearts
- Leaves
- Stars
You can also customize your braces with different colors. Color options include the following:
- Black
- Blue
- Gold
- Green
- Orange
- Purple
- Red
- Teal
- White
You may pick a color that complements your complexion, matches most clothes in your wardrobe, or pick your favorite color. You can use shape and color choices to ensure your braces reflect your personality and enjoy visually pleasing braces while wearing them.
Future Trends And Innovations
Computer-aided design (CAD) has improved orthodontic treatments by increasing accuracy when producing braces and aligners. Clear braces are now a popular option. Those opting for traditional braces can choose from more colors and shades, including pastels, when customizing braces.
How Absolute Dental Can Help With Your Orthodontic Needs
Absolute Dental has offices in Las Vegas, Reno, Carson City, Minden, Sparks, Henderson, and Summerlin. In addition to our general dentistry services, we have an expert team of orthodontic specialists ready to diagnose and treat your orthodontic issues. Whether you need braces in Las Vegas or treatment for malocclusion in Reno, you can trust our dental experts to provide the care you need to get the smile and oral health you deserve.
At Absolute Dental, we strive to offer dental care everyone can afford. We offer multiple payment options, so if you’re looking for a cash-pay dentist near your location, we can help. We also have a Smile Saver plan offering significant discounts on all dental services. Plus, our special offers reduce the costs of essential dental care.
Sources:
Dentists: What They Do. (2024).
Lynch, C., et al. (2006). Pierre Fauchard: the ‘Father of Modern Dentistry.’
Sadick, B. (2022). Getting the Facts Straight on Braces for Adults.
Smith, Y. (2022). History of Dental Braces.
Spielman, A. (2023). History of Orthodontics.