Early Life and Education
- Kurz was born in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, Canada.
- He attended the University of Saskatchewan for college.
- Kurz obtained his dental degree from McGill University in Montreal.
- He then attended the orthodontic program at Columbia University College of Dental Medicine in New York.
- After completing his education, Kurz established his private practice in Westwood, Los Angeles, California.

Invention of Lingual Braces
- Kurz invented lingual braces to address the dilemma of patients wanting orthodontic care without showing braces.
- The first generation of lingual brackets was launched in 1976.
- The first Kurz Lingual Appliance was manufactured by Orthodontic company Ormcro.
- The initial lingual brackets had a larger profile.
- The slot size for the first bracket was 0.018 inches.

Contributions and Achievements
- Kurz published a textbook called 'Contemporary Lingual Orthodontics.'
- He was the founding president of the American Lingual Orthodontic Association.
- Kurz's work with celebrities and TV personalities brought attention to lingual braces.
- He made significant advancements in the field of lingual orthodontics.
- Kurz's invention of lingual braces revolutionised the orthodontic industry.

Legacy
- Kurz's invention of lingual braces continues to be widely used in orthodontic treatment.
- His work paved the way for further advancements in invisible orthodontics.
- Kurz's textbook, 'Contemporary Lingual Orthodontics,' remains a valuable resource in the field.
- The American Lingual Orthodontic Association, which Kurz founded, continues to promote lingual orthodontics.
- Kurz's contributions have had a lasting impact on the field of orthodontics.

References
- Los Angeles Times published an obituary for Dr. Craven Kurz, highlighting his invention of invisible braces.
- People.com featured an article praising Kurz's invention of invisible braces.
- ArchWired provided a brief history of orthodontic braces, mentioning Kurz's contribution.
- Specialty Appliances listed Kurz's textbook, 'Contemporary Lingual Orthodontics,' as a reference.
- Basavaraj Subhashchandra Phulari's book, 'History of Orthodontics,' mentioned Kurz's contributions.

Craven Kurz (Wikipedia)

Craven Kurz was an American orthodontist who is known to be the inventor of the lingual braces in 1975. He was also the founding president of the American Lingual Orthodontic Association.

Craven Kurz
Born
Central Butte, Saskatchewan, Canada.
EducationMcGill University
Known forInventor of lingual braces and founding president of the American Lingual Orthodontic Association
Medical career
ProfessionDentist
Sub-specialtiesorthodontics
chevron-down linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram