If you’re feeling frustrated with your braces or aligners, take comfort in knowing that teeth straightening technology has come a long way—dating all the way back to Ancient Egypt! Believe it or not, Egyptian mummies have been discovered with metal bands around their teeth. Instead of modern wires or elastics, they used a natural cord made from animal intestines, known as catgut, to tighten the metal. At Super Smiles Orthodontics, your trusted orthodontist in Westchester Miami, we’re proud to offer much more advanced (and comfortable) solutions!
Ancient Orthodontics: A Journey Through History
While braces may seem like a modern invention, the quest for straighter teeth has been ongoing for thousands of years. The Egyptians weren’t the only ones concerned with their smiles. The Ancient Greeks and Romans also experimented with early orthodontic techniques. Pliny the Elder, a Roman philosopher, recommended pushing on misaligned teeth with your fingers and even filing them down. Ouch!
In the 18th century, French dentist Pierre Fauchard—often referred to as the Father of Dentistry—developed more refined methods. Fauchard used a large pair of metal forceps to realign teeth manually and tied them together with threads while they healed. Thankfully, modern orthodontics has advanced far beyond these early techniques, offering much more precise and less painful solutions.
The Evolution of Braces
Fast-forward to today, and orthodontics is advancing at an incredible pace. With the development of plastic aligners, 3D printing, and lingual braces, straightening your teeth has never been easier or more comfortable. Clear aligners like Invisalign offer nearly invisible treatment, while lingual braces, placed on the backside of your teeth, allow for a discreet way to achieve a perfect smile. These options represent the cutting edge of orthodontic care and are a far cry from the rudimentary methods used in ancient times.
Comfort and Innovation at Super Smiles Orthodontics
While braces might not always be your favorite accessory, they’re now more efficient, comfortable, and effective than ever before. At Super Smiles Orthodontics, we are committed to making your orthodontic experience as smooth as possible. With today’s technology, achieving a beautiful, straight smile is much easier—and less painful—than it was for our ancient ancestors.
If you’re ready to take the next step toward a perfect smile, or if you have any questions about your treatment, contact us today. Our team is here to make your orthodontic journey enjoyable, right here in Westchester Miami.