Dentures are a great replacement option for modern patients needing replacement teeth. However, it wasn’t always like that! Dentists of the distant past had to use some pretty creative – and just plain bizarre – materials to fill in their patients’ smiles. If you’re curious about dentures’ strange journey through the ages, keep reading. You might discover a few new things to be thankful for!
The Earliest Evidence of Dentures
Historians credit the first attempt at dentures to the Etruscans in 700 B.C. These early Italians tied together human or animal teeth with wire to form a set of dental replacements. The oldest surviving, complete set of dentures, however, comes from 16th century Japan, and was fashioned from wood. Doesn’t sound very comfortable, does it?
The 1700’s: Dental Solutions for a Sugary Disaster
In the 1700’s, Europe (especially England), saw an increase in sugar consumption, which drastically increased the demand for false teeth. France made dentures out of porcelain, though the composition wasn’t as durable as technicians can make it today. Other than that, ivory crafted from animal teeth was widely used, though very expensive.
The 1800’s: War, Dentistry, and New Materials
Porcelain creations improved in the 1800’s, but denture history also took a dark turn. While human teeth were almost always a sought-after replacement material over the years, the battle of Waterloo in 1815 made “Waterloo teeth” fashionable in Britain. Since many of the fallen soldiers were young, their teeth were prized for their pristine condition and worn by the wealthy as a sort of “novelty.”
Thankfully, Charles Goodyear would create a flexible, rubber material called Vulcanite in 1843. When made out of this substance, dentures were more comfortable and less costly, so it’s no surprise Vulcanite dentures overtook alternatives in popularity – especially among the middle class.
Dentures as You Know Them Today
With the introduction of moldable plastic in the modern era, dentures achieved the greatest level of affordability and comfort to date. Other dental technologies improved as well; today, your dentist can create realistic looking replacement teeth that are custom crafted to fit your unique smile. They’re also more durable and won’t decay, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy more foods and greater longevity than previous generations – as long as you take proper care of your dentures and oral health!
About the Practice
Drs. Ryan and Rose Johnson are proud to offer up-to-date dental services for patients in Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. Dental technology and methods develop quickly, which is why both skilled dentists diligently pursue continuing education courses. You can trust that Dr. Ryan and Dr. Rose will provide you with the best dentures modern dentistry and quality care has to offer! To contact their office, call 904-895-4536.