Braces have been around for centuries. Reportedly around 400-300 BC, Hippocrates and Aristotle considered the various ways to straighten teeth and fix dental conditions. Archeologists discovered mummified people with metal bands wrapped around their teeth. Historians claim that natural fibers from animal intestines were also used as a cord around teeth. While the Etruscans buried their dead along with dental appliances for afterlife, a Roman tomb was found with gold wire band around a person’s teeth. Cleopatra wore early form of braces. Some form of orthodontia has been around for a long time while we have specialists today. Orthodontics is the branch of dentistry dealing with helping teeth grow straight.
More significant development of orthodontics began in the 18th and 19th centuries. French dentist Pierre Fauchard published “The Surgeon Dentist” in 1728. The book described methods of straightening teeth. Fauchard used a horseshoe-shaped piece of iron, which he called Bandeau, to expand the palate. Fauchard is considered the inventor of modern orthodontics. In 1754, Louis Bourdet, the French royal dentist, published “The Dentist’s Art” and wrote about teeth alignment and application.
In the 19th century, several dentists improved dental braces. Delabarre introduced the wire crib in 1819 while Maynard created gum elastics in 1843. In the early 20th century, Edward Angle came up with the classification system for crookedness of teeth. The system of grouping malocclusions of teeth is still used today. He also founded the first school and college of orthodontics, which was in America. Braces have come a long way. Modern technology like 3-D imaging, software, and even robots can be used to custom bend the wire.
Today, five basic types of braces are commonly used.
Traditional metal-wired braces: a metal bracket with elastic ties to hold the wire onto the metal brackets
Gold-plated stainless-steel braces: for patients allergic to nickel
Lingual braces: custom-made braces to the back of the teeth, externally invisible
Titanium braces: tighter than steel ones but just as strong, more expensive; for patients allergic to nickel
Clear removable aligners: used to gradually move teeth into final positions; can’t be used for complex cases
What is the author’s purpose in writing this selection?
Responses
A To list all the types of braces that humans used around the worldTo list all the types of braces that humans used around the world
B To make the reader want to visit an orthodontist for better dental healthTo make the reader want to visit an orthodontist for better dental health
C To present the problem of crooked or crowded teeth and offer solutionsTo present the problem of crooked or crowded teeth and offer solutions
D To inform the reader about the history and the development of dental braces