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The History Of Orthodontics Is Very Complex

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Not only do people today want straight teeth, but even ancient people wanted them. According to the American Association of Orthodontics, archaeologists found mummified ancients with cheap metal bands wrapped around their teeth. Even though the development of straightening and aligning teeth has been practiced since ancient times, orthodontics did not exist until the 1880s. The history of orthodontics is very complex. (Evan 14)

For humans, teeth appear to be a continual source of discomfort. Aside from the intense pain of a cavity or toothache, there are a lot of problems with the way teeth develop. Malocclusion is the growing of teeth out of position in the upper and lower jaws. This condition can cause a swollen disfigured face, or a lopsided smile. Adults are supposed to have thirty-two teeth, spaced regularly throughout the top and bottom jaw. When the jaw closes, your teeth should all be aligned in a specific way, so that they fit together accurately. The word orthodontics comes from the Greek word orthos, which means straight, and the Latin word dens, meaning tooth. (Dowswell 26)

Many of us are fortunate to have such a nice set of teeth, but for those who do not, American dentist Norman W. Kingsley, invented a department of dentistry and orthodontics. He was a dentist, artist, sculptor, and writer. His book Treatise on Oral Deformities, published in 1880, led to him being called “The Father of Orthodontics.” His book influenced the new dental department extremely.

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