10 Fun Facts About Orthodontic History That Will Make You Smile

Orthodontics has come a long way from ancient dental experiments to today’s high-tech aligners. The field has evolved over thousands of years, and some of the innovations might surprise you. Here are 10 fun facts about orthodontic history that highlight how far we’ve come in the journey to straighter smiles.

#1 – Ancient Egyptians Wore Braces

Okay, so they weren’t braces braces, but archaeologists have found mummies with metal bands wrapped around their teeth. This early version of braces means orthodontic history dates back over 2,000 years! It also suggests that even ancient civilizations valued straight teeth.

#2 – Hippocrates and Aristotle Wrote About Misaligned Teeth

Continuing with the theme of ancient people being concerned with straight teeth, both Hippocrates (the “Father of Medicine”) and Aristotle wrote about dental irregularities as early as 400 BCE. They described methods to straighten teeth, including manually pushing teeth into place or using metal wires—though it’s safe to say today’s orthodontic technology is much more comfortable.

#3 – The Etruscans Had Gold Dental Appliances

Before the Romans, the Etruscans (an ancient Italian civilization) used gold dental appliances to preserve the spacing of teeth after death. While these devices weren’t used to straighten teeth during life, they showed an early understanding of dental preservation and alignment.

#4 – Braces Were Invented in 1782

French dentist Pierre Fauchard (known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry”) designed the first real braces in 1728. His invention, called a bandeau, was a horseshoe-shaped metal device that helped expand the arch of the mouth and align teeth. While it looked nothing like today’s braces, it laid the groundwork for modern orthodontics.

#5 – The “Father of Modern Orthodontics” Revolutionized the Field

In the late 1800s, Edward Angle developed the first classification system for malocclusions (bad bites)—a system still used by orthodontists today. He also designed new appliances, introduced the first school for orthodontics, and is considered the most influential figure in orthodontic history.

#6 – Nitinol Wires Revolutionize Braces

According to NASA, in the 1970s, 3M introduced Nitinol, a nickel-titanium alloy with shape-memory properties. Unlike stainless steel wires, which kink and lose pressure, Nitinol returns to its original shape after bending, allowing continuous tooth movement. This innovation reduces the need for frequent adjustments and, in some cases, shortens overall treatment time. Patients also experience less discomfort and fewer office visits, making orthodontic care more efficient.

#7 – Metal Expanders Were Invented in 1862

Metal palatal expanders were first invented in 1862 as a way to gently widen the upper jaw. This created more space for adult teeth and helped improve bite alignment. Today, expanders are still used to guide proper jaw growth and support a healthy airway. Early use can even reduce the need for more complex treatment down the road.

#8 – The First X-Ray of Teeth Was Taken in 1895

Before X-rays, orthodontists relied on visual examinations and plaster molds to assess a patient’s teeth. In 1895, Wilhelm Roentgen discovered X-rays. After his discovery, Drotto Walkhoff captured the first dental X-rays, requiring 25 minutes of exposure to develop the image.
While we now know that long-term radiation exposure is unsafe, this discovery allowed orthodontists to see beneath the gums and greatly improved treatment planning.

#9 – Stainless Steel Braces Didn’t Exist Until the 20th Century

Before the 1950s, braces were made from gold, silver, or platinum, making them costly and less accessible. These soft metals required frequent adjustments, adding to the expense. The introduction of stainless steel made braces more affordable, durable, and effective. This shift also led to smaller brackets and improved tooth movement, enhancing both comfort and efficiency.

#10 – Invisalign Clear Aligners Are Invented

In 1997, Zia Chishti, a Stanford graduate who took one course on orthodontic technology, came up with the idea for clear aligners. The story goes that he came up with the idea after struggling with his own braces. He realized that a series of custom plastic aligners could move teeth just like braces—but without metal wires. This led to the creation of Invisalign, which revolutionized orthodontics.

And there you have it—10 facts about orthodontic history that we hope made you smile! From ancient civilizations using metal bands to cutting-edge digital scanning and smart wires, orthodontics has continuously evolved to create healthier, more confident smiles. Every breakthrough has brought us closer to treatments that are more comfortable, efficient, and personalized. As technology advances, the future of orthodontics promises even more exciting innovations. If you’re ready to experience the benefits of modern orthodontic care, reach out to Hatcher & Frey Orthodontics today!