Did you know that people have actively sought ways to improve the look of their smiles since ancient times? While ancient cultures worldwide started cleaning their teeth with sticks and other natural implements as early as 3000 B.C., true cosmetic dentistry was probably first performed by the ancient Egyptians. Archeological evidence shows that the Egyptians used gold to make dental crowns and bridges and made dentures with ivory, bone, seashells, and human and animal teeth.

People have been using orthodontic braces to straighten their teeth since at least 3000 B.C., as evidenced by archeologists, who have discovered catgut-based braces in the mouths of some ancient Egyptian mummies. Orthodontics has come a long way since then, and dentists now use various tools and techniques to address malocclusion (bad bite) and related smile imperfections. Traditional metal braces that have long been a rite of passage of sorts for many school-age children are still used to align teeth, correct gaps, and address other bite issues. However, dentists can also turn to alternative treatments, such as Invisalign®, to address many malocclusion issues.

Pearly white coloration is typically the first attribute that comes to most people’s minds when considering the aesthetics that make up an ideal smile. However, the color of our teeth enamel is challenged by food, drink, tobacco, medications, trauma, genetics, medications, aging, poor dental hygiene, and other factors, which means that most people struggle to keep their teeth white.