When people consider dentures, they usually focus on how the prosthetics work today. That’s only natural – a present-minded focus is often the most practical one. Still, you’d also do well to consider the evolution of dentures; it’d give you a sense of how far tooth replacement has come. The good news is that your Jacksonville Beach dentist can share the relevant details. To that end, here’s a look at how dentures have evolved from ancient times to the present day.
Dentures’ Early Days
To be honest, dentures first emerged thousands of years ago. They got their “start” in ancient human history as an initial (if primitive) attempt at dentistry.
The earliest dentures can be traced to northern Italy of 700 BC. In that setting, the ancient Etruscans made tooth “replacements” out of animal teeth tied with gold wires. Such dentures would have been purely cosmetic; their materials couldn’t have withstood the pressure of a person’s bite.
Of course, other groups independently (and unknowingly) imitated the Etruscans. Historians have found early dentures in the ruins of ancient Egypt and Mexico. Findings from the latter region are especially striking, as they imply native Mexicans used wolf teeth for dentures. Early Mayans similarly relied on carved stones as tooth replacements.
Dentures’ Advancements
Denture-related advancements took many years to occur. Once they did, though, the resulting improvements were notable.
Much progress came during the 18th and 19th centuries. For instance, British physician Alexis Duchataeu crafted the first porcelain dentures in 1774. (He hoped to make more “lifelike” prosthetics.) A silversmith in 1820 later created the first “modern” dentures, attaching porcelain teeth to gold plates.
The above experiments may seem odd, but they marked substantial changes. Most folks in the 18th century still used ancient and crude methods for “new” teeth. Notably, figures as illustrious as George Washington wore ivory plates that housed false teeth. Other Europeans even got tooth replacements from the dead.
Dentures’ Here-and-Now
Thankfully enough, today’s dentures are made with top-tier materials and manufacturing methods. This arrangement stems from excellent scientific discoveries.
Indeed, a “scientific” approach to dentures has been around for 150+ years. It largely started with the Goodyear family, which invented a rubber alternative for porcelain dentures in the mid-1800s. This new material was quite popular until the 20th century, when scientists began using acrylic instead. Said acrylic is a synthetic blend of polymers, so it ensures high-quality prosthetic teeth.
The evolution of dentures is a long story, but a worthy one to know. Talk to your dentist (or another dental expert) to hear more about it!
About the Practice
Seaside Dental of Jacksonville Beach is based in Jacksonville Beach, FL. Led by Dr. Fred Fox, our practice aims to make dentistry convenient and effective for everyone. We always tailor our treatments to your unique smile, whether the needed care is preventive, cosmetic, or restorative. This approach ensures whole families get the thriving grins they deserve! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (904)-853-6888.