Dental care has been around for a long time, earning it the distinction of being one of the oldest professions. Ancient civilizations used different methods to improve their dental health. The Egyptians were the first to create some form of toothpaste; in China, bamboo pegs were used as tooth replacements. While these were impressive for their time, fixing crooked teeth remained beyond the grasp of these early dental pioneers.

The first instance of teeth straightening started with the ancient Romans—more specifically, from the work of Aulus Cornelius Celsus, who documented his attempts at the treatment. Also, some Romans were found with a gold wire attached to their teeth in their remains. 

Modern Tooth Straightening

After the Romans, the next time tooth straightening seemed to get back onto the scene was in the 1700s with the French. Interestingly, these years are considered the birthtime of modern dentistry. About a century later, the first braces emerged after much work in dentistry. They were created by Christophe-Francois Delabarre—and went on to become the only tooth-straightening option until 1999.

In 1999, two Stanford students created the first set of clear aligners called Invisalign. The treatment utilizes clear aligner trays to straighten teeth using gentle force. They have become more popular than their earlier cousins because they offer similar results for mild conditions without needing metal wires in the mouth.

Why Should You Straighten Your Teeth?

• Oral Health

Straighter teeth are much easier to care for because they are uniformly spread. With crooked teeth, some spaces can form behind specific grooves between teeth. Food particles can collect in those areas, making them bacterial breeding grounds. With straighter teeth, you will be sure that when brushing or flossing, you get every part of your teeth.
 

• Prevent Decay

When food particles collect in the hidden grooves between teeth, they form plaque. The plaque can easily lead to tooth decay because it can be hidden behind a tooth. Straighter teeth ensure you can keep your mouth free of plaque with regular brushing and flossing.
 

• Enhance Your Bite

The bite is how your teeth come together when you are eating. With crooked teeth, you may find your top teeth and lower ones do not come together correctly. It can lead to issues with chewing your food and biting on things. Straightening will lead to a better bite. 
 

• Speak Better

Your teeth play a critical role in how you speak. With crooked teeth, you may find that you pronounce some words a little funny. Straighter teeth help you speak better as your tongue can form letters on your teeth more effectively. 
 

• Minimize Sleep Apnea Risk

Crowded teeth are often associated with a poorly constructed jaw and narrow airway. Straightening your teeth can help correct this, making you less likely to have sleep apnea. 
 

• Smile Better

Another common reason tooth straightening is good for you is for your self-esteem. A straight smile always looks better, which means you will smile more readily and feel confident about it.

For more reasons to straighten your teeth, visit bty DENTAL at our offices in Anchorage, Alaska. Call (907) 333-6666 to book an appointment today.