While improving the appearance of your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry may seem like a new concept, believe it or not humans have been attempting to do this for centuries. In fact, there are accounts of early elective procedures that date all the way back to 700 BC, when the Etruscans first used ivory, human teeth, and even bone to make primitive dentures.
Here’s the fascinating history of cosmetic dentistry, and how far we’ve come in the pursuit of a more beautiful smile!
The Early Egyptians
In Ancient Egypt, having a beautiful smile was a sign of wealth and status. Gold was used to fashion dental bridges and crowns, and things like seashells were hammered into their gums to replace missing teeth!
To remove stains and discoloration, they also crafted rudimentary toothpastes made with vinegar and pumice. While this sounds very unpleasant, it was a lot better than the ancient Romans’ solution of using their own urine as mouthwash and tooth whitener!
Medieval Times
During medieval times, there were no dentists, so if you needed help with your oral health, you visited the barber. In addition to cutting hair, they were trained to file down teeth and apply a topcoat to make them appear whiter. Unfortunately, however, this destroyed their enamel and eventually the entire tooth!
The 1700s – 1800s
In the 1700s, dentists started using porcelain to make dentures, and by the 1800s they were placing metal in the sockets of missing teeth. While they were good ideas, they didn’t work well in practice, but thankfully they did introduce the use of porcelain as a dental restoration, which is still widely used today!
The 20th Century and Beyond
By the early 1900s, porcelain prosthetics were too expensive for many patients, so dentists also started using plastics and acrylics in restorations. These materials proved to be both durable and natural-looking and are still used in modern dentures to this day!
Professional whitening also got a safer, more effective makeover when dentists started using peroxide to remove stains and discoloration. By the mid-1990s, lasers began being used to increase the power of the active ingredients.
The 1980s ushered in the modern era of dental bonding, porcelain veneers, dental implants, and clear aligners debuted as an alternative to traditional braces in the 1990s.
While the historical pursuit of a more beautiful smile has been around for centuries, today’s treatments are safer, more effective, and longer lasting than ever. If you’re interested in learning more about what these modern procedures can do for your own smile, speak to your dentist about cosmetic dentistry today!
About Our Practice
At Plum Grove Family Dental, we take the time to deliver quality care to each of our patients. Whether you’re here for an exam and cleaning, an emergency appointment, or if you’d like to improve your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, we believe that getting to know you and understanding your unique oral health goals will deliver the best possible outcomes.
To learn more about your options for creating a healthy, glowing grin, please schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling us at 847-221-5860.