Back in the day, dentistry was mostly about addressing oral health issues. This is still the main priority of dentists today, but more and more people are becoming interested in the cosmetic aspects of dentistry for a variety of reasons. With the general population having better oral health and more disposable income, cosmetic dentistry is more common. That being said, it isn’t anything new. Read on to learn more about the history of cosmetic dentistry and how it has evolved to be what it is today.
Ancient Cosmetic Dentistry
Going back to 700 BC, the Etruscans attempted to replace teeth from a variety of sources. Dentures were constructed from materials like bone and ivory. They would also use animal teeth or teeth from deceased humans. Ancient Egyptians would use seashells as a way to replace their missing teeth. Crowns and bridges could be made using gold. As for teeth whitening, Ancient Romans would use urine because of the ammonia that was present (yuck!). Thanks to modern developments in science and technology, we have much more effective and less repulsive methods today.
Medieval Cosmetic Dentistry
Dentistry in medieval times was completed by a barber. They would file down the teeth and use a special coat to make them appear whiter. While this would work temporarily, it would also destroy the enamel, wear down the teeth, and result in tooth infections and missing teeth. Europeans continued to use bone and ivory to replace missing teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry of the Enlightenment
Cosmetic dentistry started to improve in the 1700s. This is when porcelain became a popular material for making dentures. Dentists would still use metal to fill the sockets of missing teeth, but the body would reject it. Porcelain teeth were becoming more common as an alternative.
20th Century Cosmetic Dentistry
Beginning in the 1900s, materials used for cosmetic dental treatments started to change. Porcelain wasn’t the most affordable material on the market, so plastics and acrylics were used to make crowns and dentures. Acrylic is still a common material used for restorations today. In the 1930s, veneers were invented to be used by film stars in movies. In 1937, the first screw-like dental implants were created.
Modern Cosmetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for quite some time, but it is much more advanced than ever before. There is a lot of focus on enhancing the appearance of beautiful teeth. Popular techniques include teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, dental implant, and much more. New technologies and techniques are constantly being developed.
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t slowing down anytime soon. If you aren’t happy with the current appearance of your smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can discuss your concerns and put together a plan that best meets your needs!
About the Author
Dr. Anil Patel first earned his Bachelor of Dental Surgery at the Government Dental College Ahmedabad in Gujarat, India/ He later moved to the Fort Worth area where he pursued his Master’s in Public Health. He also earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Southern California School of Dentistry in Los Angeles. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (817) 717-6788.