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Why our ancestors didn’t care about straight teeth

The surprising science behind ancient smiles

Why our ancestors didn’t care about straight teeth
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StarsInsider
18/03/2026 14:00 ‧ 1 day ago | StarsInsider

LIFESTYLE

Anthropology

For decades, people have claimed that ancient civilizations used braces. Gold wires found on Egyptian mummies and Etruscan skulls were described as early orthodontic devices, suggesting that tooth straightening existed thousands of years ago.

But recent archaeological research and modern dental science show a different story. Examining how these materials functioned and comparing ancient jaw structures to modern ones reveals little evidence of true orthodontics. Instead, research demonstrates how ancient diets and jaw development guided tooth placement, producing well-aligned teeth without intervention.

Explore the gallery to uncover the truths behind ancient smiles and discover why the story of braces is more fascinating than the myth. Click on. 

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