The First Orthodontist: Where Braces Began

Braces might seem like a modern invention, but people have been trying to straighten teeth for thousands of years. From ancient tools made of gold to modern-day aligners, orthodontics has come a long way — and it all started with one name in the history books.

At Rock Hill Orthodontics in Cherry Hill, NJ, Dr. Ambika Sharma loves helping patients get straighter smiles using today’s technology — but the journey to this point has a surprising past.

Ancient Attempts at Straight Teeth

Long before dental offices existed, ancient civilizations tried their hand at straightening teeth. Archaeologists have found Egyptian mummies with metal bands wrapped around teeth, thought to be early attempts at dental work. Ancient Greeks and Romans used gold wires to preserve teeth after death. It wasn’t exactly orthodontics, but it shows the idea has been around a long time.

Who Was the First Orthodontist?

Pierre Fauchard, a French dentist in the 1700s, is often called the “father of modern dentistry.” He developed an appliance called the “bandeau” — a horseshoe-shaped piece of metal used to widen the arch of the mouth. It was a crude but clever start. Still, orthodontics didn’t really take off as its own specialty until the 1800s.

Enter Edward H. Angle — considered the first true orthodontist. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, he focused exclusively on straightening teeth. He even designed the first classification system for malocclusion (misaligned bites) that orthodontists still use today. Angle also founded the first school of orthodontics and helped shape the field into a recognized dental specialty.

What Kind of Orthodontics Did He Do?

Edward Angle didn’t just write about orthodontics — he practiced it. He developed a variety of braces and appliances to gently move teeth into better positions. Most were made of metal, adjusted by hand, and customized for each patient. At his school, students learned how to spot bite problems and use wire-and-band systems to correct them. It was hands-on, detail-focused work that laid the foundation for modern braces. While the tools look very different today, the basic goal remains the same: help teeth line up for a healthier bite and a better smile.

Orthodontic Excellence in Cherry Hill at Rock Hill Orthodontics

Today, patients in Cherry Hill, NJ benefit from tools and techniques Edward Angle could only imagine. At Rock Hill Orthodontics, Dr. Ambika Sharma offers a full range of modern treatments — from traditional metal braces to ceramic braces and clear aligners. Whether you’re just starting treatment or exploring new options, today’s orthodontics is more precise, comfortable, and personalized than ever before.

It’s a long way from gold wires and bandeaus — and your smile is the next step forward.

Image from Authority Dental under CC 2.0

Categorised in: Orthodontic FAQ