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  • COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT
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    • Invisalign
      • About Invisalign
      • Invisalign For Kids
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
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      • Early Orthodontics
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Join Us for a Braces History Lesson!

Live Life Smiling

braces-history
  • Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics
  • September 29, 2022

 

ORTHODONTICS DATES BACK all the way to at least 400 BC. In Rome, Aulus Cornelius Celsus theorized that teeth could be straightened by manually applying pressure. That’s not quite true, but we’ve come a long way since then.

Pierre Fauchard in the 1700s

Pierre Fauchard made the first significant progress in the 1700s with his invention of the bandeau, a horseshoe-shaped metal appliance with holes throughout it, held in place with silk threads. It was certainly a better idea than the one Delabarre had. He thought he could treat crowding by putting wooden wedges between teeth. Ouch!

Headgear in the 1800s

Headgear was first developed in 1822. Then, in 1880, Edward Hartley Angle formally identified different malocclusions (bad bites) and developed ways of correcting them.

Modern Advancements

Early orthodontists were limited by the technology of their time. There were no bonding agents to attach brackets to teeth until 1949 and had to use expensive metals until affordable stainless steel (1970s). Another major game-changer was invisible aligners in the late 1990s.

We truly stand on the shoulders of giants in the modern field of orthodontics, and we love that we can offer such effective and comfortable treatment to our patients.

Top image used under CC0 Public Domain license. Image cropped and modified from original.
The content on this blog is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of qualified health providers with questions you may have regarding medical conditions.

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Patient reviews

EVERY SMILE TELLS A SPECIAL STORY

We are thankful for the opportunity to serve our community with excellent care and take pride in our mission of having a patient-centered philosophy. Check out what our patients are saying about us!

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kristin W.
I will never go anywhere else for my children’s dental care! They never disappoint when it comes to professionalism and fun, no one in Huntington can compare. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could.
kristin W.
I will never go anywhere else for my children’s dental care! They never disappoint when it comes to professionalism and fun, no one in Huntington can compare. I would give them 10 stars out of 5 if I could.
Christina S.
Very family friendly atmosphere! Fun office! Down to earth and kind staff! 10/10 recommend!
Christina S.
Very family friendly atmosphere! Fun office! Down to earth and kind staff! 10/10 recommend!
Kisha F.
Love the staff they are so kind and really good with my children! So kind and patient positive and polite! They answered all of our questions. My children love coming here!
Kisha F.
Love the staff they are so kind and really good with my children! So kind and patient positive and polite! They answered all of our questions. My children love coming here!
Christina A.
We love Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! They are Great! The atmosphere is amazing the staff is always kind and welcoming!
Christina A.
We love Holmes and Palmer Orthodontics! They are Great! The atmosphere is amazing the staff is always kind and welcoming!
Cathy D.
Holmes and Palmer have been wonderful to deal with as we have entered this new world of braces. They have kept our daughter calm and comfortable, all while providing education to all of us brace beginners.
Cathy D.
Holmes and Palmer have been wonderful to deal with as we have entered this new world of braces. They have kept our daughter calm and comfortable, all while providing education to all of us brace beginners.
Arthur G.
This is one of the best orthodontist for kids I've ever seen, the staff is super friendly allways interacting will the kids. The place is exciting and they is a chance for kids to earn rewards for taking care of thier teeth. I love bringing Arthur here and my son Ash loves the decor
Arthur G.
This is one of the best orthodontist for kids I've ever seen, the staff is super friendly allways interacting will the kids. The place is exciting and they is a chance for kids to earn rewards for taking care of thier teeth. I love bringing Arthur here and my son Ash loves the decor
Paula L.
Super friendly staff! Very quick! And they really care about the patients. My son has really enjoyed going to Dr Holmes for his braces adventure
Paula L.
Super friendly staff! Very quick! And they really care about the patients. My son has really enjoyed going to Dr Holmes for his braces adventure
Tiese W.
I love this office! The staff is professional and very informative. Dr Holmes and Dr Palmer know how to take care of their patients. Thanks for the job well done!
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  • Charleston, WV
  • 867 Oakwood Road
    Charleston, WV 25314
  • (304) 343-3672
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  • Hurricane (Teays Valley), WV
  • 3659 Teays Valley Road Suite 200
    Hurricane, WV 25526
  • (304) 201-3672
Hurricane office
  • Huntington, WV
  • 451 Kinetic Drive Suite 200
    Huntington, WV 25701
  • (304) 343-3672
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  • Ashland, KY
  • 2000 Carter Ave.
    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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