In first part on the history of orthodontics, you’ve already learned about its origins, which date back to ancient times. There was little progress during the Middle Ages. Starting in the 18th century, however, developments accelerated significantly and paved the way for modern orthodontics, the benefits of which you can also enjoy in Orthodontics in Berlin.

Frenchman Pierre Fauchard Advances Orthodontics in the 18th Century

The progress of orthodontics in the 18th century is mainly thanks to Pierre Fauchard. He was the first to establish a scientific foundation for orthodontics. In one of his works, he also describes the first true precursor to braces, whose principle has endured to this day. Additionally, he provided further insights and methods for treating misaligned teeth. For example, he used special tweezers to move a crooked tooth into the correct position and then secured the straightened tooth to the adjacent teeth until it healed. Other dentists of the 18th century further developed Fauchard’s achievements.

Classification of Teeth and Distinction from the Jaw

The anatomist and surgeon John Hunter also played a decisive role in the advancement of orthodontics in the 18th century. The Englishman conducted scientific research on the growth and classification of teeth, the development of the jaw, and anatomical details regarding the alignment of the upper and lower teeth. In doing so, he highlighted, among other things, the difference between teeth and bone and gave names to the individual teeth.

One of John Hunter’s students was among those who further developed orthodontics in the 19th century. Read more about this in our third part on the history of orthodontics. This brings you one step closer to modern medicine, which also includes Orthodontics in Berlin.