The 1970s represent a significant period in the history of orthodontics, marking the transition from extremely conspicuous appliances to the more streamlined systems that would follow. Treatment during this decade was structurally and aesthetically different from modern methods, characterized by an overall bulkier, more complex, and far more metallic appearance. The hardware used to correct misaligned teeth was highly visible, reflecting a focus on function and biomechanical efficiency over patient comfort or discretion.
Full Coverage: The Stainless Steel Bands
The defining characteristic of 1970s braces was the widespread use of stainless steel bands that encircled nearly every single tooth. These metal rings were individually fitted and permanently cemented onto the molars, premolars, and often the anterior teeth, creating a continuous line of silver across the patient’s smile. The bands served as the fundamental anchor point for the entire appliance, providing the necessary strength and stability for the forces required to move teeth.
To prepare the teeth for these bands, orthodontists first had to place small separators, typically made of rubber or brass wire, between the teeth for several days. This created the slight gap required for the band material to slide over the tooth and be cemented into place. The full metal coverage of these bands made the appliance noticeable even before the main components were attached, defining the “metal mouth” aesthetic of the time.
Bracket Design and Bulk
Attached to these full-coverage bands were the orthodontic brackets, which were significantly larger and less refined. These brackets were usually fabricated from stainless steel and were often soldered or welded directly onto the outer surface of the metal band before the band was cemented onto the tooth. These welded brackets were substantial, contributing to the overall height and width of the appliance on the tooth surface.
The most common design was based on the Edgewise system, which used a rectangular slot to accept the archwire, offering precise three-dimensional control over tooth movement. Securing the archwire into this slot required the use of fine metal wires, known as ligature ties, or small metal wings built into the bracket itself. Aesthetic options, such as bulky acrylic or plastic brackets, were prone to staining, odor, and breakage, making the full metal bracket the reliable standard throughout the decade.
The Role of Ancillary Appliances
Beyond the brackets and bands, the 1970s orthodontic experience often involved highly visible external components, collectively known as ancillary appliances. The most recognizable of these was the headgear, a device that applied external force to the teeth and jaws to influence growth and anchor movement. Depending on the treatment need, a patient might wear cervical headgear, which anchored around the neck, or high-pull headgear, which anchored around the top of the head.
These external forces were delivered through a facebow, a rigid metal wire that extended from the molar bands and out of the mouth to connect with the headgear strap. The archwires connecting the brackets were typically thick and rigid, primarily made of stainless steel. These heavy-gauge wires were less flexible and delivered higher, less continuous forces compared to the sophisticated nickel-titanium wires used in contemporary orthodontics.
The Shift to Direct Bonding
The defining look of the 1970s braces began to change significantly with a key technological advancement: the development of reliable adhesive materials. Prior to this, brackets were attached by welding them to a band that fully encircled the tooth. The introduction of strong, cold-cured composite resins, such as those based on Bis-GMA, allowed orthodontists to bypass the need for full bands.
This new technique, known as direct bonding, enabled the small bracket to be glued directly onto the smooth enamel surface. Starting in the mid-to-late 1970s, this innovation gradually eliminated the need for full-coverage bands on every tooth, reserving them primarily for the molars. The result was a dramatic reduction in the amount of metal visible in the patient’s mouth, ushering in the era of smaller, less intrusive appliances that visually defined the next generation of orthodontic treatment.