In a lifetime, you only get one set of adult teeth, so it is really important to look after them. However, in this day and age, it isn’t enough to just have healthy teeth, it’s also about the aesthetic. One of the first things people notice about you is your smile, so this is why many people decide to get the best braces in Hawkesbury. Although it can be a long process, the rewards are certainly worth the wait. Interestingly, not all braces in Hawkesbury do the same thing; it’s possible to get braces to straighten teeth, close gaps, or create space. So how much do you really know about orthodontics? Well, you’re about to find out a lot more after reading these weird facts!
Fact 1: Orthodontics Has Been Around for Over 3 Century’s
Although braces in Hawkesbury haven’t been around for hundreds of years, orthodontics as a medical profession has. Pierre Fauchard, a French physician, is known as the father of modern dentistry and in 1728 he made the first set of braces. These were obviously not as advanced as the braces in Hawkesbury we are all used to, but they were certainly a good start; they were made of metal, as they are today, but in 1728 a flat, thin sheet of metal was connected to the teeth of the patient by thread.
Fact 2: Gold Was Used in Dentistry
Hundreds of years ago there was less knowledge about the properties of metals, and there were less options available, so dentists had to make do with what they could get their hands on. Today, gold is usually reserved for jewelry, but back in 1915, when the first brackets were made to attach devices onto teeth, the best option was in fact either 14 or 18 karat gold. Edward Angle found that gold was the best material to use because it is malleable, so it was easy to bend and therefore attach onto the teeth of patients. It was also during this time period that, with the help of new brackets, advancements were made and fixing tooth alignment became more effective.
Fact 3: NASA Invented the Wire Now Used in Orthodontics
Most of us just go to the dentist and get our braces in Hawkesbury put on, without actually thinking where the materials came from. However, the history of the wire used in orthodontics is quite interesting, as it was actually invented by NASA. After 1915 dentistry had improved, but gold was simply too expensive, so it was clear a new material was needed, finding this material was harder than you’d think though. But in 1959 NASA developed nickel titanium, which was found to be perfect for making thin, flexible wire. This was an obvious choice for orthodontists, as it was easy to mold to the wearers teeth, whilst still holding its shape.
Fact 4: Egyptians Are to Blame for Our Obsession with Straight Teeth
A common misconception is that wanting perfectly straight teeth is a modern beauty standard. Some people might be aware that in the 18th century, the French placed a high importance on their appearance, and in particular their teeth. However, the desire for perfect teeth came about long before even this, and as far back as ancient Egypt. How do we know this? Well, some mummies have been found with, what archaeologists believe to be, intestines wrapped around their teeth. No one knows for certain, but this appears to be a very early way of attempting to straighten teeth. The Egyptians may not have been able to get braces in Hawkesbury, but they were clearly innovative and creative.