Orthodontics is a treatment dedicated to rectifying dental and facial irregularities and it boasts a long history. However, its practices have evolved significantly, especially in the last century. A hundred years ago, orthodontics was quite different, with limited knowledge, basic techniques, and primitive appliances. Here's a glimpse into what orthodontic practices were like a century ago.

Limited Understanding of Dental Anatomy

Orthodontics in the early 20th century was based on a rudimentary understanding of dental anatomy and growth. Orthodontists had limited knowledge of the underlying causes of malocclusions and craniofacial abnormalities. Treatment decisions were often made based on personal observations and subjective evidence rather than scientific principles.

Emphasis on Tooth Extraction

To address crowded or misaligned teeth, orthodontists commonly relied on tooth extraction as a primary treatment model. Extraction of healthy teeth was believed to create space and help with tooth alignment. However, this approach often resulted in compromised dental arches, incorrect bite alignment, and facial profile changes.

Primitive Orthodontic Appliances

Orthodontic appliances used a hundred years ago were primitive compared to modern devices. The most common appliances included bands, wires, and springs made of stainless steel or other metals. These appliances were manually adjusted by orthodontists to apply pressure to the teeth and jaws, promoting tooth movement and correcting malocclusions. The effectiveness of these appliances, however, was limited, and treatment outcomes were often unpredictable.

Limited Patient Accessibility

Orthodontic care was not widely accessible to the general population over a hundred years ago. Orthodontic specialists were scarce, and treatment options were often limited to major urban centers or academic institutions. Additionally, orthodontic treatment was prohibitively expensive for many individuals, further restricting access to care.

Lack of Orthodontic Education and Training

A hundred years ago, orthodontic education and training programs were in their early stages of development. There was limited formalized postgraduate training available in orthodontics, leading orthodontists to often acquire their skills through apprenticeships or self-directed study. This absence of standardized education and training resulted in discrepancies in treatment approaches and outcomes.

Orthognathic Surgery

Orthognathic surgery involves the surgical correction of severe jaw discrepancies, and this kind of surgery was virtually nonexistent a century ago. Orthodontists had limited options for correcting skeletal malocclusions, and surgical interventions were rarely considered. As a result of this lack of adult orthodontics or surgical options, individuals with severe skeletal discrepancies often had to live with functional and aesthetic challenges throughout their lives.

In conclusion, orthodontics a century ago was marked by restricted knowledge, rudimentary methods, and arduous treatment processes. Nonetheless, early orthodontists paved the way for the advancements that have elevated the field into the sophisticated and patient-focused specialty it is today. The evolution of orthodontics and dental procedures over the past century mirrors the continuous quest for excellence in enhancing oral health, function, and aesthetics for individuals across all age groups.