As the “traditional” way to replace lost teeth, dentures often seem like they’ve never changed. People can easily view them as if the devices have always employed their current methods, materials, etc. However, dentures have evolved over many years to reach their present form; they endured centuries of testing. Your Allen dentist can even prove this claim with the relevant facts and evidence. So, here’s a brief look into the evolution of dentures – from their ancient origins to now.
Dentures Among the Ancients
Dentures have been with humanity for a very long time. Indeed, they got their start in our “classical” or ancient history.
The first dentures likely emerged around 700 BC, in what’s now northern Italy. The Etruscans of that time made them out of human and animal teeth tied with gold wires. That said, these early dentures would have been purely cosmetic; their materials wouldn’t have withstood the pressure of eating.
Other groups unknowingly imitated the Etruscans soon after. As of today, historians have found primitive dentures in the ruins of ancient Egypt and Mexico. The native Mexicans are even thought to have replaced missing teeth with those from wolves. Similarly, early Mayans used carved stones for their tooth replacements.
Progress for Dentures
Of course, dentures did see progress in how they were made. The advancements just took some time to manifest themselves.
Consider the 18th and 19th centuries, for example. The British physician Alexis Duchataeu crafted the first porcelain dentures in 1774, hoping to make more “lifelike” prosthetics. An obscure silversmith in 1820 later created the first “modern” dentures by attaching porcelain teeth to gold plates.
Such experiments may seem crude, but they represented real changes. Many people in the late 18th century still used ancient methods for their “new” teeth. Figures like George Washington wore ivory plates that housed pearly whites, while some Europeans got tooth “replacements” from the dead.
Dentures’ Cutting-Edge Present
Thanks to scientific discoveries, today’s dentures use the best possible materials and manufacturing. Scientists spent countless hours ensuring that much.
This scientific approach to false teeth has existed for nearly 200 years now. In the mid-1800s, the Goodyear family invented a rubber that served as an alternative to porcelain dentures. This material was fairly popular until the 20th century, when scientists began using acrylic instead. The latter’s synthetic blend of polymers – combined with porcelain – allowed for high-quality prosthetic teeth.
Ultimately, dentures have evolved to give patients full and comfy smiles. Keep that truth in mind as you consider your restoration options.
About the Practice
Allen Smile Design is based in Allen, TX. Led by Dr. Tonie C. Lewis, our practice works closely with each patient to provide them the best grin possible. We thus offer high-quality preventive, cosmetic, and restorative procedures, as well as care for dental emergencies. Our team can even provide you with the latest and most reliable dentures! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (972)-954-9728.