Teeth Straightening

What is the history of teeth straightening?

It has been reported that even in the times of the ancient Greeks people ruminated over how best to straighten their teeth. However, with the birth of modern dentistry and the emergence of the American dentist, the rather aptly named Edward Angle, who wrote the book ‘The Treatment of Malocclusion of the Teeth’ at the beginning of the 20th Century, what we now know as orthodontics was established. Orthodontics has changed and modernised hugely over the course of the century and is now a huge worldwide business that allows people all over the world the power to have control over the appearance of their teeth.

What are the fundamental techniques used in the straightening of teeth?

Teeth are straightened through the implementation of force to direct their movement in a prescribed direction. Orthodontic specialists use apparatus, traditionally stainless steel braces, which are attached to the teeth using dental cement. As the position of the teeth shift the braces must be slightly altered to accommodate this movement so braces are slightly altered every month to six weeks generally. The treatment is quite a lengthy process with most orthodontic programmes lasting around two years. However, this is strictly dependent on the individual case and the severity of the problem.

What should I do if I feel I require my teeth to be straightened?

The obvious first step is to consult with your dentist to ask their advice. They should be able to guide you as to the options available to you and if necessary put you in touch with an orthodontic specialist. The most important thing is not to worry. The world of orthodontics is so highly advanced now that there will be many options available to you. Progress in worldwide orthodontic treatments has succeeded in ending the stigma attached to orthodontics and the wearing of braces. Advancements such as clear braces and lingual braces make it much more difficult to tell whether a patient is wearing any sort of orthodontic equipment at all, thus making the wearer much more comfortable and confident about their appearance.