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  • COMPLIMENTARY CONSULT
  • Our Practice
    • Who We Are
    • What Makes Us Different
    • Meet Our Doctors
    • Meet Our Team
    • Technology
    • Community Involvement
    • Refer a Patient
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  • Orthodontics
    • Braces
      • Types Of Braces
      • Braces For Kids
      • Braces For Teens
      • Braces For Adults
      • Braces FAQ
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    • Invisalign
      • About Invisalign
      • Invisalign For Kids
      • Invisalign For Teens
      • Invisalign For Adults
      • Invisalign FAQ
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    • Other Treatments
      • Early Orthodontics
      • Brava Independent Movers
      • Gum Contouring & Reshaping
      • Enamel Shaping
      • Zoom Whitening
  • Patient Resources
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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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Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Pam C.
All Dr. And staff were very professional and friendly. Would definitely recommend their service.****
Kayla W.
Love the flow and personality of the staff and office. Everybody is so nice and cheerful and personable. It calmed my nerves about the whole process.
Kayla W.
Love the flow and personality of the staff and office. Everybody is so nice and cheerful and personable. It calmed my nerves about the whole process.
Chelsey M.
We love Holmes and Palmer! My daughter is on her 2nd round of braces and we wouldn’t take her anywhere else. The staff and doctors are always so friendly and welcoming. Best orthodontists around!
Chelsey M.
We love Holmes and Palmer! My daughter is on her 2nd round of braces and we wouldn’t take her anywhere else. The staff and doctors are always so friendly and welcoming. Best orthodontists around!
Chelsey M.
Best orthodontist in the area! My daughter is a very anxious kid and they always take so much care with her to make her feel comfortable and at ease. The staff and doctors are always so friendly welcoming.
Chelsey M.
Best orthodontist in the area! My daughter is a very anxious kid and they always take so much care with her to make her feel comfortable and at ease. The staff and doctors are always so friendly welcoming.
Chelsey M.
We love Holmes and Palmer! My daughter is a very anxious kid and they always take so much care with her to make her feel comfortable and at ease. The staff and doctors are always so friendly and welcoming. Would absolutely recommend!
Rachel S.
The girl who placed my son’s expander was so kind and patient and did not rush us in any way. She provided great instruction for care afterward. Great job!
Rachel S.
The girl who placed my son’s expander was so kind and patient and did not rush us in any way. She provided great instruction for care afterward. Great job!
amy F.
Wonderful people all around.Everyone of them are nice and caring for their patients. I would recommend 100 to everybody. Even the lady's at checkout are wonderful.
amy F.
Wonderful people all around.Everyone of them are nice and caring for their patients. I would recommend 100 to everybody. Even the lady's at checkout are wonderful.
Shelby M.
We have had a great experience! They listen to my son’s concerns and do not rush through his questions! It’s a very fun and inviting atmosphere!
Shelby M.
We have had a great experience! They listen to my son’s concerns and do not rush through his questions! It’s a very fun and inviting atmosphere!
Our locations

Come by one of Our offices

  • Charleston, WV
  • 867 Oakwood Road
    Charleston, WV 25314
  • (304) 343-3672
Huntington office
  • 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
Charleston office
  • Ashland, KY
  • 2000 Carter Ave.
    Ashland, KY 41101
  • 606-388-2561

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  • (304) 201-3672

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