Only the rich kids had 'em

Seven former orthodontic patients who were treated during the 1920s, '30s, and early '40s were questioned with respect to their perceptions of treatment. Two of the subjects were orthodontists and one was a general dentist, thus offering technological insights. Emphasis was placed on treatment acceptance, social and financial impact, pain, techniques, and overall result. Replies indicate that, while technological improvements were yet to come, patients coped at least as well as do today's counterparts. Orthodontic treatment in those days, like life in general, was simple and stern. Nevertheless, there was overall patient satisfaction with both the doctor and the result.