If you appreciate the way your dentures look and feel, thank the many researchers and oral healthcare experts who are continually working to improve the design and functionality of dental prostheses. What you see today is far different from how these artificial teeth got started, so if you’re interested in learning about the early days of dentures, read on.
Early Dentures: How They Got Their Start
If you go back to about 700 BC, you’ll find that dentures were commonly made out of animal teeth that were tied together with gold wire. This method was used by the Etruscans who were located in ancient, northern Italy. Naturally, these teeth could not withstand the daily pressure but were used more for appearance.
Ancient Mayans used carved stones and seashells to replace missing teeth and discovered that these materials surprisingly fused with the jawbone over time.
Fast forward to the 16th century, and you’ll discover that the Japanese made their dentures out of wood – a style that continued to be used for at least two more centuries.
While there is much debate as to whether our nation’s first president, George Washington, wore wooden dentures, the truth is that his were made of ivory. Unfortunately, this type of material stained easily, and the dentures were extremely uncomfortable; however, the wealthy were often the only ones to wear them because of how costly they were to make.
Modern Dentures: A Closer Look of What We See Today
The first set of porcelain dentures was crafted in 1774 by a British physician. Although they chipped easily and were much whiter than natural tooth enamel, they set the stage for what would eventually become more of what we see today.
By the mid-1800s, dentures were more functional but still very expensive because of the porcelain that was used to create them. Dentists found that by using other materials like rubber or vulcanite, the cost became more affordable.
Gaining popularity among the people, these more cost-effective solutions became the norm until acrylic resin came on the scene. Now, the dentures you see consist of an acrylic base and porcelain or resin teeth – a durable and lifelike solution that gives patients a beautiful, one-of-a-kind smile.
As you see, dentures have come a long way from the days of seashells, ivory, and gold bases. As you think about your own smile, you can appreciate the time and talents of those who have made these teeth into what they are today.
About the Author
Dr. Joanne Bancroft has been practicing dentistry since 2003. Earning her dental degree from the State University of Buffalo School of Dental Medicine in 2002, she attended a General Practice Residency at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine. Providing durable and lifelike dentures for patients suffering from tooth loss, she and her team can rebuild smiles to look beautiful and function with ease. If you would like to discuss your eligibility for dentures, contact us at (720) 458-6561 to learn more!