Believe it or not, cosmetic dentistry isn’t a recent development. People have long recognized the importance of smile aesthetics and have experimented with different enhancement techniques since ancient times. Tracing cosmetic dentistry’s progress from then to now shows just how far this subfield has come. Keep reading to learn more about it’s storied history!
Humble Beginnings
The earliest records of cosmetic dental enhancements go back to the ancient Etruscan, Egyptian, and Chinese civilizations. Each had their own unique way of making their smiles stand out. Long before the Roman Empire, the Etruscans of Italy used gold bands and ivory to craft tooth replacements. The Egyptians, meanwhile, made dentures out of animal bones and human teeth. Bamboo pegs were a popular material choice for dental implants in China.
These solutions had varying degrees of functionality, but what’s important is that they paved the way for aesthetic innovation.
Technological Advances
Civilizations would continue to experiment with various materials for dental restorations, and developed some…interesting methods for whitening teeth. The Romans, for example, used their own urine to eliminate dental stains.
But major technological advances in dentistry boomed throughout the 18th and 19th centuries. Pierre Fauchard, who would later become known as the “Father of Modern Dentistry,” invented fillings made from lead and tin, and developed the orthodontic system still used for braces today.
Towards the 19th century, dentists began using porcelain to create lifelike, artificial teeth. This proved to be a much more durable, functional, and aesthetically pleasing material than the bones, gems, and metals used in the past.
Modern Refinements
After Charles Pincus created the first dental veneers in 1928, focus shifted from finding new ways to cosmetically enhance teeth to refining existing techniques. Modern technology, for example, made it possible to fabricate porcelain cosmetics and restorations much more quickly and cheaply, making them more accessible to the general public. Even Pincus’ recently invented veneers would see swift improvements, as changes to the adhesives used made them last for years instead of hours.
With the introduction of 3D printers, advanced impression systems, and AI, cosmetic dentistry shows promise for another boom in progress. It will certainly be interesting to see what new techniques and treatment methods could be waiting just around the corner!
About the Practice
Dr. Joanne Bancroft and Dr. Lynette Lim both actively pursue continuing education opportunities in dentistry to keep up with the latest technologies and treatment methods. They recognize dentistry is an ever-evolving field, and are proud to offer modern dental cosmetic options like porcelain veneers, Invisalign, and teeth whitening. To schedule your appointment today, contact Dr. Bancroft and Dr. Lim’s office at 720-458-6561.