Genetics do not always gift us the perfect smile. Beyond aesthetic considerations, crooked teeth and misaligned bites can create difficulties with eating and speech, seriously impacting one’s quality of life.
Brief History of Orthodontics
Orthodontics, the branch of dentistry concerned with straightening and repositioning the teeth and jaws, goes way back — some historians suggest Ancient Egypt (in which “catgut,” a wire made from animal intestines was used) or the Ancient Mediterranean (the Etruscans utilized mouthguards to prevent corpses’ teeth from collapsing inward over time). An Ancient Roman named Aulus Cornelius Celsus first attempted to straighten teeth in live patients, although his method of applying direct pressure was unpleasant.
Modern Orthodontics
Although orthodontics have come a long way in the past 5,000 years — especially since the invention and refinement of braces specially adapted to the needs and comforts of the living — many people still wouldn’t be caught dead wearing them. Whether you’re a child or an adult, fear no longer. Wearing braces now is more discreet and more comfortable than it’s ever been, with several types of braces to choose from. The smarter orthodontic treatments introduced in just the past few decades have created a vastly improved experience for patients with alignment problems.
Today’s metal braces feature smaller brackets and wires, far easier to clean and manage than their predecessors. Ceramic braces can be clear or camouflaged to match the natural color of your teeth. Invisalign plastic aligner trays are custom-fit around your teeth with no brackets, wires, bonds, or bands at all. They can be removed at any time for normal eating, drinking, and cleaning.
Orthodontics with Dr. Mahoney
At Sleep Dentistry with Dr. Kevin Mahoney, painful orthodontic procedures are truly ancient history. We will utilize the least obtrusive and most painless methods to help you achieve your best smile — the one you may not have been born with, but the one you were born for.