The Weird History of Braces: From Gold Wires to Modern Invisalign
May 12, 2025Braces Have Come a Long Way—Thankfully
Straightening teeth might feel like a modern concept, but orthodontics has been around for thousands of years. From ancient Egyptians using gold wires to today’s nearly invisible Invisalign aligners, the journey to a perfect smile has taken some interesting turns. If you’ve ever wondered how people straightened teeth before orthodontists, X-rays, or even electricity, you’re in for a wild ride.Ancient Orthodontics: Gold, Catgut, and Mummies
The first recorded attempts at straightening teeth date back to ancient Egypt. Archaeologists have found mummies with metal bands wrapped around their teeth, connected by cords made of catgut (which is exactly what it sounds like—thin fibers from animal intestines). The ancient Greeks and Romans also experimented with dental appliances. The famous philosopher Hippocrates wrote about ways to correct teeth alignment, and Roman burial sites have revealed crude braces made of metal bands.The 18th and 19th Centuries: The Birth of Modern Orthodontics
By the 1700s, dentistry became more scientific, and early orthodontic devices started to resemble modern braces. In 1728, French dentist Pierre Fauchard designed the bandeau, a horseshoe-shaped metal device that pushed teeth into alignment. Fast forward to the 1800s, and orthodontics took another leap. Dentists began using metal wires and rubber bands to guide teeth into place. The idea of extracting teeth to make space also became more common—though early extractions weren’t exactly gentle.The 20th Century: Braces Become a Thing
Braces as we know them started to take shape in the early 1900s. Orthodontists began using stainless steel instead of gold and silver, making treatment more affordable. X-rays helped map out tooth movement, and brackets became more refined, leading to better results. By the 1970s, dental adhesives allowed brackets to be bonded directly to teeth, replacing the need for bulky metal bands around every tooth. This made braces more comfortable and effective.The Invisalign Era: 21st-Century Orthodontics
The biggest game-changer in orthodontics came in the late 1990s when Invisalign introduced clear aligners. Instead of wires and brackets, Invisalign uses custom-made plastic trays that gradually shift teeth into place. Today, people can choose between traditional braces, clear ceramic options, or Invisalign. Whether you’re looking for affordable Invisalign in Portland or a top orthodontist to guide you through treatment, modern orthodontics offers more choices than ever.The Future of Braces
With 3D printing, digital scans, and AI-driven treatment planning, orthodontics keeps getting smarter. Future advancements may include braces that adjust automatically or even tooth movement guided by biotechnology. No matter what comes next, one thing is certain—braces will continue to evolve, making it easier and more comfortable for people to get the smiles they want.Ready to Start Your Own Braces Journey?
Whether you’re interested in Invisalign or traditional braces, today’s options are light-years ahead of the past. Schedule a consultation at Garfinkle Orthodontics to explore the best treatment for you.We're conveniently located in SW Portland, serving Beaverton, the Pearl District, Lake Oswego, and surrounding areas.
Start your smile transformation today
Are you ready to smile with confidence? Garfinkle Ortho can help you achieve the smile you've always wanted. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn more about our services.