Whether you’ve lost some or all your teeth, dentures are a versatile solution that can be adapted to your unique circumstances to rebuild your smile. With them in place, you can eat and speak much without as many challenges. Furthermore, they’re made from resilient, lifelike materials so that they look and feel as natural as possible to boost your confidence in your appearance.
However, these prosthetics haven’t always been as successful as they are today. Continue reading to learn more about the fascinating evolution of dentures so you can appreciate your restoration that much more!
Earliest Attempts
Did you know that the first dentures can trace their roots back to the Etruscans of northern Italy, around 700 BC? These ancient peoples made false teeth out of human or animal samples tied together with gold wires. It’s believed that these were probably more cosmetic than functional because the materials likely couldn’t withstand the force of biting or chewing.
Archeologists have found similar appliances at sites from other cultures, too. For instance, indigenous tribes in Mexico used wolf teeth in place of one of their own that went missing. Other civilizations, like the Egyptians and Mayans, made versions with jade, seashells, and other valuable materials that the human body would have rejected.
Industrial Upgrades
Dentures didn’t develop much after the earliest examples until the European Industrial Revolution. In the 1800s, as sugar consumption skyrocketed, the dental health of the general population declined. Cavities and tooth loss became so common that new sources of false teeth were required to meet the demand. As a result, they were harvested from cadavers that fell during battle. This practice became so common that restorations made using human teeth were known as “Waterloo Teeth” following the famous battle.
Modern Materials
In 1774, a British physician experimented with making porcelain dentures, though these looked unnaturally white and were prone to breaking, which didn’t make for reliable teeth. Then, in 1820, a silversmith placed porcelain teeth into gold plates connected with springs and swivels to allow for a range of motion. This is considered to be the first modern set of dentures.
However, porcelain was expensive, so to make a more accessible prosthetic, the Goodyear family developed an alternative made from hardened rubber. This was cheaper, more durable, and could be molded to a patient’s gums for a better fit.
Today, dentures typically have an acrylic, gum-colored base that contains the correct number of pontics (artificial teeth) made of durable porcelain or resin. Both options reflect light like enamel and can be color-matched to your natural teeth for seamless results.
If you need to restore your grin, there’s no better time to contact your dentist for a denture consultation!
About the Author
Dr. Ashley Civetti is passionate about helping people build and maintain their healthiest, most beautiful smiles. She earned her Doctor of Dental Science degree from the University of Texas Health Science Center School of Dentistry at Houston, where she graduated with honors. Now, she continues to hone her skills with continuing education at the Kois Center, so you always receive the most current treatments. She combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to provide lifelike dentures to boost your teeth’s appearance and functionality. You can request an appointment on the website or call (561) 798-4200.