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Orthodontics Has Come A Long Way In 50,000 Years

Making Smiles Inside & Out

Orthodontics Has Come A Long Way In 50,000 Years
  • Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics
  • August 17, 2016

For you history buffs, did you know that archaeologists found crooked teeth in human remains dating back 50,000 years as reported by Norman Wahl in the AJODO ?

Like days of old, the aesthetics of teeth thru time has always been the primary concern when it comes to our smiles. However, it was the occlusion (bite) that gave orthodontics its scientific foundation and why it has progressed into advanced technology available today with traditional metal braces, clear braces, and clear aligners called Invisalign.

Lets Follow the Orthodontic Timeline

Ancient Times

While very crude in nature to orthodontic treatment today, Egyptian mummies were found with metal bands around their teeth and archaeologists believe they used cat gut to tie the bands together to move them. Primitive orthodontic appliances were also found with early Greek and Roman artifacts.

Recorded texts were found as early as 25 BC –AD 50, recommending if a second tooth comes in before the baby tooth is lost, remove it and then push the new tooth forward with your finger until in place. It still is good advice today, especially since you still find kids today trying to push their teeth into position on their own.

16th – 18th Centuries

Not much happened in the “Middle Ages” but in the 16th century, progress was made. Dentists were called “operators for the teeth” and used waxed impressions. Plaster of Paris impressions were in regular use in Paris in 1756. Malocclusions or bad bites were called “irregularities” and tooth movement was called “regulating”

In the 18th Century, France was the leader in the field of dentistry. Pierre Fauchard has been called the “Father of Modern Orthodontia”. He was the first to give orthodontics a scientific foundation. Below is a drawing of Fauchard Braces. At that time, little attention was paid to bite function and only placed on upper teeth. Treatment was reserved for the wealthy since it was so expensive.

 

The US Steps Up in the 19th Century

In 1822, J.S. Gunnell invented a form of headgear that fastens to the jaw from the outside of the mouth to exert gentle pressure on the teeth. In 1840, Chapin A. Harris published the first classic book on dentistry, “The Dental Art,” discussing soldering knobs on bands (brackets) to assist with tooth rotation, and applying gold caps to molars (molar bands) to open the bite. When Charles Goodyear invented vulcanized rubber in 1839, in 1846, E.G. Tucker became the first American dentist to use rubber bands in orthodontic appliances.

Dr. Edward Angle, also called the Father of Modern Orthodontics, identified the true relationship of the malocclusion (bad bite and misaligned teeth) and offered scientific solutions with effective orthodontic appliances beginning in 1880.

Today in the 20th Century

Prior to the 1970s, orthodontists wrapped metal bands around each individual tooth and each band was connected by a wire and slowly moved into position. But the invention of dental adhesives allowed them to bond the brackets to teeth surfaces. Meanwhile, stainless steel replaced gold and silver as the most popular choice for wires due to its ability to manipulate, reducing the cost of braces significantly. Lingual braces, which run along teeth’s inside surfaces instead of outside, were also first introduced in the 1970s.

In the 90’s, special heat-activated, nickel-titanium metal discovered by NASA in the 60’s became available and has been instrumental in the fabrication of arch wires which move teeth faster, with less discomfort, and requires fewer adjustments. Treatment that once took 4 – 6 years now can be completed in two years or less.

Invisible Braces Gained Popularity

In 1997, Invisalign, a transparent, removable aligner was invented by Zia Chishti. Instead of upper and lower braces attached to each tooth and highly visible, a series of clear aligners are worn in succession to move teeth. The aligners are fabricated using 3D computer technology based on patient impressions. Unlike regular braces, Invisalign can be removed for eating and brushing and not easily detected when worn, making it a great solution for teens and adults self-conscious about wearing braces.

Orthodontics Has Come a Long Way

In the past, orthodontic treatment was reserved for the wealthy or patients with extreme deformities of the teeth and jaws. Today, orthodontics is considered a routine dental procedure that most kids, teens, consider a rite of passage and many adults undergo to create beautiful smiles and improve dental health and self-esteem.

If you or someone in your family is considering orthodontic treatment, contact our Greensboro or Summerfield NC office for a complimentary evaluation. At Reynolds & Stoner Orthodontics we offer the latest in leading edge orthodontic treatment to help you create the beautiful smile we all deserve.

 

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The first step toward achieving a beautiful, healthy smile is to request a complimentary orthodontic consultation with Dr. Reynolds.

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Our 5-Star Experience

We are passionate about serving our patients with the highest level of care possible. Check out what our patients are saying about their 5-star experience with us!

Angel G
Went to them for an aligner treatment, exceptional service, made sure everything was 100% before finishing my treatment. 100% recommend
Chinenye E.
Definitely would recommend! People are so nice here ever since I started my Invisalign journey a few years ago. The service is great and very efficient any time I come in for an appointment!
Sidnell H.
The service provided was amazing! My daughter had her braces for three years. Every appointment she atteneded, the orthodontist assistants were very patient and informative. Very nice people! We recommend Robert Stoner Orthodontics office for all of your orthodontic needs "Where your Best smile begins!"
Natalie O.
I would put more stars if I could. The staff is absolutely wonderful, and my teeth have never looked better!
Kaylovesmusic2009
Love all the people and this place!!! Improved my smile so much!
Kiersten V.
My daughter had braces and they did a wonderful job her teeth are so straight and everyone working there was an absolute angel!! I would 100000000% recommend them to anyone.
Denise R.
Great experience through the whole process! Highly recommend!
Aujanae H.
My orthodontic journey at Reynolds and Stoner is coming to an end and my experience was nothing short of amazing. They were very transparent about their concerns and explained thoroughly what my treatment plan would consist of. The entire staff is super friendly and always has smiles on their faces. I never had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Reynolds but Dr. Stoner took great care of me. I will definitely miss seeing the staff when I get my braces off. I would 100% recommend Reynolds and Stoner Orthodontics to anyone in the triad area looking to perfect their smile!
Chris N.
As an older adult client, I was hesitant to go through the treatment process. My teeth had shifted and were turning. I was self conscious about it and didn't smile in family photos. I went to Reynolds & Stoner and decided to get Invisalign and am so happy I did! The results were amazing and I now smile in photos. I sincerely recommend Reynolds and Stoner if you want beautiful teeth!
Drew C.
Really nice place, friendly staff, and now I have straight teeth, so I can't complain!
Tianna N.
I have had the best experience with Reynolds & Stoner. The staff are friendly and informative and so helpful when making decisions that’s best for your smile. I would recommend them to anyone!
Tiffany G.
This office is wonderful! I am from Virginia and am in Greensboro with my sister in the hospital, I had a wire emergency and they got me straight in and fixed it for me. Thank you for making a double stressful time better!
Shelly A.
I love Reynolds and Stoner and Staff! I have been in treatment for 30 months and my teeth look AMAZING! Best Orthodontists in Greensboro!!
Hannah W.
Have been a patient for many many years since I was in elementary school! I've had braces and Invisalign through them and have had the best experience. Truly the nicest people and best service! I would recommend them to everyone!
Jessica M.
Wonderful experience at Reynolds & Stoner. The docs and the technicians treat each patient so well. My bite and look of my smile are incredibly improved. Love the results!
Melissa
Kind, professional, and truly transformed my smile, couldn't be happier with my experience!
Vanessa
The best experience ever! The staff was always friendly, professional, and made me feel comfortable at every visit. My results turned out amazing, and I’m so happy with my new smile.
Liz M.
I did Invisalign at Reynolds and Stoner. I had a great experience! I’m so pleased with my results! They were all super!! I highly recommend them!!
Amy N.
We”ve had two children treated and a great experience with both. Very pleased with the quality of work and the entire team.
Anna
Reynolds and Stoner Orthodontics is amazing! The staff is very knowledgeable and welcoming; it is always a positive environment.
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We have two locations conveniently located in the Greensboro area. We look forward to meeting you and your family soon!

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