When it comes to addressing tooth loss, dentures are a tried and tested way of restoring the appearance and function of smiles. You probably know that dentures have been around for a while, but do you know how dentures got started? This prosthetic is much older than you may expect. Continue reading to learn more about dentures and have they have evolved through the years to be what they are today.
The World’s First Dentures
The first known dentures go all the way back to 700BC. This is when the Etruscans of ancient, northern Italy made dentures from a combination of human and animal teeth tied together with gold wires. Because of their composition, these “dentures” were likely just for cosmetic purposes, as they wouldn’t stood up well to the pressure required for eating and chewing. Similar dentures have also been found in Egyptian and Mexican archaeological sites.
The earliest surviving set of complete dentures is actually made from wood. They were found in Japan and were made in the 16th century. This style of dentures was utilized until the 19th century.
Dentures During Revolutionary Times
You have probably heard the myth that George Washington wore wooden dentures. While Washington was a denture-wearer, his prosthetic was not made from wood. Instead, it was constructed with a combination of a carved hippopotamus ivory plate, human teeth, horse teeth, and donkey teeth. While this worked for a while, ivory became stained and smelly over time, making them uncomfortable and unsanitary. At this time in history, dentures like these were expensive, so they were only an option for the wealthy.
19th Century Dentures
In the 1800s, sugar consumption throughout Europe skyrocketed! This was especially the case in England, so many people didn’t have many of their natural teeth left by the time they reached the age of 50. This created a much higher demand for dentures, causing them to become a status symbol among the elite. One of the main sources of replacement teeth for dentures at the time was teeth from deceased soldiers on the battlefield. For example, dentures that were made from human teeth removed from deceased soldiers in the Battle of Waterloo in 1815 became known as “Waterloo Teeth.” Teeth were also extracted from criminals and sold by the needy to make some extra money.
The Invention of Porcelain Dentures
The first pair of porcelain dentures were invented by a British physician in 1774. However, they looked unnaturally white and chipped easily, so in 1820, a silversmith tried mounting porcelain teeth onto gold plating with springs and swivels, allowing for a more natural-looking and feeling prosthetic. This ended up being the first “modern” set of dentures as we know them today.
Modern Dentures
Since porcelain and gold were expensive materials, the average person couldn’t afford this type of denture. That’s why an alternative was made in the mid-1800s from hardened rubber and vulcanite. This type of denture became very popular and was widely used until the 20th century when acrylic resin was popularized.
Dentures are much older than you may think, and they have changed millions of lives over their evolution. If you’re interested in dentures, schedule a consultation with your dentist so you can get customized set just for you!
About the Practice
At Rauchberg Dental Group, we have a team of many specialists and general dentists working together to provide the best possible care to our patients in Parsippany. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof, like customized dentures. To learn more about dentures or to schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (973) 718-9887.