Stuff You Should Know The History of Orthodontics
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Aug 26, 2025 Discover the quirky history of orthodontics, from ancient practices to modern-day braces. Explore shifting cultural views on dental aesthetics and how media has influenced our perceptions of perfect smiles. Learn about the evolution of key techniques, including the development of headgear, or the shift to stainless steel wires. Enjoy humorous anecdotes about the representation of teeth in art and the rise of braces as a fashion statement. The hosts bring a light-hearted approach, making the journey through orthodontic history both entertaining and informative.
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Jaw Size Shrunk; Crowding Rose
- Human jaws shrank as brains grew, but tooth count stayed the same so crowding rose over evolutionary time.
- Softer post-agriculture diets reduced jawbone stimulus and increased crooked teeth problems.
Diet Changed Teeth Alignment
- Hunter-gatherer diets required heavy chewing that strengthened jaws and produced straighter teeth.
- Agriculture and processed foods softened diets and reduced jaw development, increasing malocclusion.
Ancient Braces And Early Fixes
- Ancient Egyptians used gold bands and cat gut on mummies that resemble braces.
- Hippocrates and Roman writers recommended pulling baby teeth or pressing them to guide adult eruption.
