Dentures are the tried-and-true method for refilling your grin after tooth loss because of the many advantages they provide. With them in place, you’re able to engage in conversations and enjoy meals like you used to. Replacement teeth haven’t always been as proficient and convenient as they are today, however. Read on to learn more about the history behind this popular restorative method and why there’s no better time than now to get yourself fitted!
Ancient Dentures
Did you know that the earliest forms of replacement teeth can be traced back to 700 BC? Various archaeological sites in northern Italy, Egypt, and Mexico have revealed that ancient humans attempted to rebuild their smiles using pearly whites from other people or animals, sometimes tied together with gold wires. Evidence indicates various cultures used the supplies at hand like wolf teeth, carved stones, bits of bone, or seashells.
Dentures in the 19th Century
The earliest surviving set of dentures were from the 16th century in Japan and were made of wood. This format was popular until the 19th century with the invention of porcelain prosthetics by a British physician in 1774. Then, in the 1800s in Europe, sugar consumption skyrocketed causing many people to lose most of their teeth by the time they turned 50 years old. This widespread problem required feasible solutions that were accessible to people from all walks of life. Because porcelain was costly, and tended to chip easily, it wasn’t ideal for most people who could not afford it as a dental solution. As a result, teeth were frequently taken from the mouths of those who had fallen in battle, like at Waterloo in 1815, and used in dentures.
Modern Dentures
In the mid-1800s, new affordable solutions for prosthetic teeth were underway. Around that time, the Goodyear family made a material of hardened rubber and vulcanite that provided an ideal base for dentures that wasn’t as expensive as porcelain or gold. It could also be molded to fit a patient’s gums for a better fit. This was a popular method until acrylic resin gained popularity in the 20th century.
Dentures Today
Now, patients can choose from a range of materials and styles to refurbish their smile. You can find dentures to replace just a few missing teeth with a partial set, or all of them with a full set, for example. Plus, now they’re custom-designed with advanced dental technology to fit perfectly and look more natural than ever before. Not only that, but continued advancements in materials like acrylic, porcelain, and plastic have made them affordable yet durable so that they last years with the right care.
Because dental technology has continued to improve over the centuries, there’s no better time than now to be fitted for dentures!
About the Author
Dr. Arindam Kakkar believes in using state-of-the-art advancements to provide a wide range of oral care services, including dentures, to patients from all walks of life. He graduated from the New York University College of Dentistry in 2006 and also has a general dentistry degree from India. His friendly staff goes out of their way to make each patient feel comfortable for their visit, and are happy to assist you in scheduling an appointment. Feel free to contact the office on the website or by calling (908) 850-0005.