Are you or a loved one missing several or all of your pearly whites? Good news awaits the 120 million Americans coping with missing teeth. Dentures, once basic in design, have evolved significantly over the years to become the durable, lifelike restorations that we’re familiar with. Join us as we delve into the journey of denture evolution, highlighting the remarkable progress since their inception.
Early Dentures
Dentures have a long history dating back to 700 B.C., when early versions were made from materials like ivory, animal bones, and human teeth, held together with gold wires. However, these primitive dentures were likely crafted more for appearance than functionality, as they were uncomfortable and prone to pressure during biting and chewing.
In the 16th century, Japan witnessed a breakthrough in denture history with the discovery of the earliest surviving complete dentures. Crafted from wood and shaped using beeswax impressions, these dentures marked a significant advancement. Over time, they evolved to include materials like human teeth, animal teeth and horns, and pagodite stone.
Despite the myth of George Washington having wooden teeth, his dentures were actually made from a carved hippopotamus ivory plate, supplemented with horse, donkey, and human teeth to replace his natural ones. Despite being worn by the wealthy, these dentures faced challenges such as staining, odors, and discomfort, lasting until the early 1800s.
The Introduction of Porcelain Dentures
In the 1700s, Europe experienced a rise in tooth loss due to increased sugar consumption. British physician Alexis Duchâteau made a breakthrough by creating the first set of porcelain dentures in 1774. Building on this innovation, English silversmith Claudius Ash improved the restorations by introducing gold plates, springs, and swivels by the 1820s, enhancing their functionality.
During the mid-1800s, a more affordable option to costly porcelain dentures emerged: restorations made from hardened rubber. These dentures were not only cost-effective but also provided a personalized fit for different gum shapes. They remained popular across all economic backgrounds well into the 20th century until acrylic resin became the preferred choice.
Dentures Today
Today, dentures are made from plastics and acrylic resin, providing a secure, durable, cost-effective, and visually appealing dental option. Along with these benefits, modern dentures also:
- Restore some biting strength and enable enjoyment of a varied, healthy diet
- Offer the convenience of being removable and simple to clean
- Restore facial support, reducing the appearance of sagging
- Offer superior comfort compared to traditional dentures
Through centuries of innovation and progress in dental health, dentures have evolved into their current state, providing patients with a beautiful, durable, and long-lasting smile!
About the Practice
If you’re searching for a trustworthy dental practice to achieve a healthy, radiant smile, consider Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson, headed by Dr. Afshin Azmoodeh and Dr. Srujani Reddy Gadusu. Whether you’re looking to improve your smile’s appearance or replace missing teeth, their skilled team can assist you in finding the ideal solution for your specific needs. For details about dentures or to book an appointment, visit Canyon Creek Family Dentistry of Richardson’s website or call (972) 644-3800.