Who Invented Modern Orthodontics?
May 26, 2021 7:33 pmRudimentary treatments for tooth overcrowding and palatal expanders can be traced back to 17th and 18th century Europe. Innovative dentists, such as Pierre Fauchard and Christophe-Franchois Delabarre, helped set the groundwork for orthodontics. However, it wasn’t until the late 1800s that orthodontic techniques began to become more standardized and refined.
The Father of Modern Orthodontics
Edward Hartley Angle was an American dentist born in 1855. He is considered the “father of modern orthodontics”. In 1892, Dr. Angle officially announced that his professional life would be devoted exclusively to orthodontia, becoming the world’s first acknowledged specialist in orthodontics.
Dr. Angle was fascinated by the inner workings of repositioning teeth. He coined the term malocclusion, which is used to describe the imperfect positioning of teeth when the jaw is closed and relaxed. And he founded the first school of orthodontics called Angle School of Orthodontia to further establish orthodontia as an independent field of dentistry.
Oral Appliances
Dr. Angle sought to create functional oral appliances that effectively addressed malocclusion in an attractive a manner as possible. He was one of the first dentists to consider both the appearance and functionality of the orthodontic appliances.
He introduced several different appliances during his career: the Expansion Arch Appliance, the Pin & Tube Appliance, the Ribbon Arch Appliance, and the Edgewise Appliance. The Edgewise Appliance was the most efficient fixed appliance at moving teeth in various planes. His early design paved the way for the development of the contemporary Edgewise Appliance (or braces), which is a central component of orthodontic treatment today. By bonding brackets to tooth enamel and inserting an archwire, orthodontists can precisely move the crowns and roots of teeth.
Achieve Straighter Teeth with Meason Orthodontics
Are you interested in straightening your teeth? The field of orthodontics has evolved to offer a variety of efficient orthodontic treatments using advanced technology and techniques. At Meason Orthodontics, we offer metal braces, ceramic braces, and clear aligner therapy. Please contact us today schedule your orthodontic consultation in Weatherford, TX!
Categorised in: Orthodontics
