Who Created Braces? It’s Kind of a Long Story

POsitively Awesome Ortho with Pachter Orthodontics

When you look at the sleek wires or clear trays used at Pachter Orthodontics today, it’s easy to assume that straightening teeth is a modern luxury. In reality, humans have been trying to fix “crooked” situations for thousands of years. Yes, that’s right — thousands!

So, there isn’t one single person we can point to and say, “They did it!” Instead, the journey to the perfect smile is a historic relay race spanning from ancient pyramids to 18th-century France.

Orthodontics is Ancient History: Mummies and Metal Wires

Believe it or not, the first “orthodontists” lived in Ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have discovered mummies with gold wires and catgut wrapped around their teeth. Some researchers believe wires were used as part of a burial ritual to keep teeth in place during the afterlife, but others argue they were used to close gaps in the living. While the Egyptians weren’t exactly hitting up a Paramus office for a monthly adjustment, they were clearly onto something.

The Romans were also in on the action; they used fine gold wires and experimented with finger pressure to move teeth. We won’t be adopting most of their techniques, but it proves that wanting a balanced smile has always been the vibe.

The French Connection: Pierre Fauchard

In 1728, a French physician named Pierre Fauchard published the first scientific book on dentistry. Often called the Father of Modern Dentistry, Fauchard moved the profession away from guesswork and into the realm of science.

While Fauchard is primarily known for his dental innovations, his major orthodontic breakthrough was the “Bandeau.” The Bandeau was a piece of precious metal — usually gold or silver — shaped like a horseshoe and fastened to the teeth using silk or wire. The device helped expand the arch and gradually correct tooth alignment. And you know what else is cool? Fauchard thought that children’s teeth could be shifted faster than adults — a key principle in today’s orthodontics!

While the Bandeau wasn’t the most comfortable accessory, it laid the groundwork for how we think about moving teeth today. Fauchard proved that with the right tools, we could guide a smile into a much better position.

The Father of Modern Orthodontics: Edward Angle

While the French started the proverbial fire, an American named Edward Angle really turned up the heat in the late 19th century. Angle is the real MVP of orthodontic history. He realized that it wasn’t just about making teeth look straight; it was about how the jaws fit together.

Angle created the classification system for malocclusions that we still use today. Starting in the 1880s, Angle developed various orthodontic appliances to treat the bad bites he identified. Because of his work, orthodontics became its own dedicated specialty, separate from general dentistry. He was also the first to simplify the hardware of braces and focus on efficiency, though progress was limited by the absence of bonding agents that we use to attach brackets.

The Best Time for a Smile is Now

Looking back at the history of catgut, wires, and heavy gold bands makes us pretty grateful for the 21st century. We’ve come a long way from the days of Pierre Fauchard’s heavy metal horseshoe! Today, your treatment is guided by digital precision and materials that are as discreet as they are effective.

When you start orthodontic treatment, you become part of a thousand-year-old tradition of self-improvement. While the tools have changed, the goal remains the same: creating your best self. If you’re ready to start your own adventure with braces or Invisalign, reach out to the Pachter crew.