History of oral health: The evolution of braces

Humans have long realized that proper alignment of teeth is an important part of oral health, but techniques for straightening teeth have changed dramatically.

Egyptian mummies have been found with gold bands around their teeth. Researchers think the bands were secured with cord made from animal intestines to act as orthodontic devices.

Roman physician Aulus Cornelius Celsus recommended that parents use their fingers to apply pressure to their children’s teeth every day to ensure proper positioning.

King George III’s personal dentist wrote about the social and medical benefits of symmetrical teeth.

By the early 20th century, Edward Angle, known as “the father of orthodontics,” had patented 37 “tooth regulation” devices, including brackets, tubes, expanders and ligatures.

Today, more than 4 million children and adults in the U.S. have braces, according to the American Association of Orthodontists.