Tooth loss has been a common and serious oral health problem since before history began, and people have attempted many methods for replacing their lost pearly whites. While today’s dentures can restore an incomplete smile with lifelike and comfortable restorations that look exactly like real teeth, dental patients in previous centuries did not have access to this advanced prosthetic technology. Here’s a quick look at what false teeth were like before modern dentistry.
The Earliest Known Dentures
The earliest known dental restorations similar to dentures date back to 700 BC. The Etruscans made appliances from human and animal teeth bound together with gold wire, but these devices were mostly used for cosmetic purposes since they could not withstand the pressure of chewing. Similar devices have been found at archeological sites in Egypt and Mexico. The Mayans and many island cultures replaced lost teeth with dental implants made from carved stones or seashells, and these would sometimes successfully bond with the jaw.
However, the earliest devices that could properly be called dentures date back to sixteenth century Japan, and they were made from wood. This type of appliance was commonly used until the nineteenth century.
A Restoration for a Presidential Grin
The idea that President George Washington wore wooden dentures is a common misconception. The truth is that his famous restorations were carved from hippopotamus ivory and had human teeth as well as pieces of horse and donkey teeth set into them. Hippopotamus, walrus, and elephant ivory were popular materials for dentures for the wealthy in the eighteenth century, but these devices were notorious for developing foul odors and could become increasingly uncomfortable to wear.
Modern Dentures Are Better Than Ever
Today’s dentures are truly modern marvels of engineering and prosthetic technology. Your dentist can fit you with a customized restoration carefully crafted to comfortably align with your jaws and gums using materials that mimic the appearance of your natural teeth and soft tissue. These devices are easy to keep in great shape with a special nightly cleaning regimen, and they can restore much of a person’s chewing power so they can enjoy a healthier and tastier diet.
Tooth loss is no match for modern dental technology. Consulting with your dentist will help you find out if dentures can be an excellent option for you.
About the Practice
Connection Dentistry offers outstanding oral health services to the people of Raleigh. Led by Drs. Brandon D. Rensch and Christine DiBlasi Laster, the staff treats each patient with kindness, respect, and the utmost courtesy in a friendly and clean office environment. Areas of expertise include preventive, cosmetic, emergency, and restorative dentistry such as denture services. To schedule your denture consultation, contact the office online or dial (919) 787-0355.