Egyptians also used metal to place in the deceased’s mouths. Romans used the method of pressing their fingers consistently to push their teeth into a straighter smile or using thin, gold wire to try shaping their teeth into the correct shape.

The revolution of dental braces couldn’t happen without philosophers’ research such as Hippocrates and Aristotle. One of the first official books on dentistry and orthodontics was Pierre Fauchard’s book, The Surgeon Dentist (Le Chirurgien Dentiste), published in 1728. One of the chapters discusses the use of an iron device known as a “Bandeau.” This was reformed by Louis Bourdet in 1754 to further help the teeth’s arch expand.

Christophe-Francois Delabarre created the first wire crib in 1819, followed soon by the invention of gum elastics by Edward Maynard in 1843. Different advancements such as dental dams and bands were made in the next century. The invention of the x-ray machine created further advancements in dental research so dentists could observe below the gums. The term “braces” was also keyed into society.

Metallic braces consisting of gold and silver followed. These were typically only affordable for those with enough money to purchase gold or silver braces. The biggest breakthrough for ortho was the discovery of dental adhesive in the 1970s. This allowed brackets to be placed directly on the teeth. This was then followed by the use of stainless steel, which was not only affordable for everyone, but was much easier for dentists to bend and adjust according to the patient’s mouth.

Here at Rivera Orthodontics, we focus on giving you your best smile with the most updated technology and methods. Call our office in El Paso, Texas, to schedule an appointment or get a consultation at 915-592-5853. We will be happy to assist you with a better and straighter smile today!

The post A History of Orthodontic Procedures first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.

As the festive holiday season begins to spread its cheer across the nation, be wary of any activities that may pose hidden dangers to your aligners. Although most activities are harmless, there are some additional foodstuffs to be aware of.

Because traditional braces may inhibit your regular eating patterns, avoid foods mentioned by your orthodontist that can get stuck in or damage your braces. A few holiday foods to avoid include:

– chewy candies such as taffy or chewing gum
– hard candies such as candy canes
– popcorn or corn on the cob
– apples
– various nuts and snacks
– hard cookies, peanut brittle, and crackers

Always remember to brush your teeth twice daily and floss your teeth once daily. Don’t forget to clean your retainer weekly. It’s also important to be careful with objects around your mouth which can damage your braces or your teeth. It is important to visit regularly with your orthodontist.

If you have any oral accidents, or your braces have been damaged, please contact Rivera Orthodontics as soon as possible. If you would like to schedule an appointment with Dr. Jaime Rivera, we can be reached at 915-592-5853, or stop by our office in El Paso, Texas. If you feel you would like braces, or have other questions or concerns, please let us know. We are happy to help you. On behalf of our staff, we wish you a festive and happy holiday season.

The post Do You Need Orthodontic Braces? first appeared on Rivera Orthodontics.