When were Braces invented?
- Mummies have been discovered by archaeologists with crude metal bands wrapped around individual teeth. It has been surmised that catgut was used to close the gaps.
- Pierre Fouchard first constructed braces in 1728. They were made of a flat metal strip connected to the teeth by pieces of thread.
- Delabarre introduced the wire crib in 1819 which marked the birth of contemporary orthodontics.
- In 1841 Schange invented the 1st bands which consisted of metal strips with screws to adjust the size.
- Maynard was the first to use gum elastics in 1843.
- In 1850 Tucker started cutting rubber bands from rubber tubing.
- Eugene Solomon Talbot was the first person to use x-rays for orthodontic diagnosis in the late 1800's.
- Edward Angle invented brackets in 1915. The Brackets were attached to the bands that went around the teeth. Today brackets are bonded directly to the teeth.
- Tooth colored brackets were invented in 1976.
- SureSmile technology was made available in 2004.
Where does the term Orthodontics dome from?
- The term orthodontia was coined by Joachim Lafoulon in 1841.
- According to Wikipedia, Orthodontics is derived from the Greek work orthos "straight or proper" and odus "tooth". Orthodontics is the specialty of dentistry that is concerned with the study and treatment of malocclusions (improper bites).
What is the difference between an Orthodontist and a Dentist?
- An orthodontist needs four years of college, four years of dental school, and two years of postgraduate study in orthodontics before they can practice orthodontics.
- All orthodontists are also board certified dentists.
At what age should Orthodontic Treatment begin?
- Orthodontic treatment can be started at any age however the American Association of Orthodontists recommends that every child see an orthodontist by age seven. Many Orthodontic problems are easier to correct before the jaw growth has slowed.
What is SureSmile?
- SureSmile is an advanced technology that makes it possible for the orthodontist to use 3D computer images to create customized archwires. The customized archwires are bent by a robot using heat-activated shape-memory wires. In order to bend these wires the robot has to heat the wire to 1000 degrees Fahrenheit.
- The SureSmile technology enables the orthodontist to achieve better orthodontic results. And because teeth are moved more efficiently, treatment time is reduced by about 40%.
- Orthodontic Partners is the world's most experienced provider of SureSmile.
What do retainers do and how long should they be worn?
- Retainers are worn to keep the teeth from moving after braces are removed.
- Retainers should be work 24 hours a day for the first month after braces are removed and nightly there after.
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