Changing Faces, Changing Lives: How Dentures Have Evolved

Living life with a smile that consists of healthy, beautiful, natural teeth is the goal for most people. Unfortunately, problems and accidents can often occur, resulting in tooth loss and the need for custom prosthetics. This is where dentures come in. For centuries, people have turned to these artificial teeth for help, and they continue to capture the attention of patients in need today. Discover what kind of changes have occurred over time to make dentures into what they are today.

Gold Wires, Animal Teeth & Wood – Early Dentures

While the earliest set of surviving dentures made out of wood can be traced to 16^th-century Japan, these artificial teeth go back even further to 700 B.C. In ancient, northern Italy, the Etruscans used gold wires to tie animal or human teeth together to create dentures. Although not very effective, especially while eating, they possessed more cosmetic appeal because of the gold that was used.

Ancient Mayans used carved stones, bones, and seashells to replace missing teeth, all of which surprisingly fused with the jawbone to create a solid foundation.

George Washington Years

While wood was known to be used up until the 19^th century, there’s a common misconception surrounding the dentures worn by our nation’s first president, George Washington. His were not made of wood but instead, crafted from ivory.

Using a carved hippopotamus ivory plate and a combination of human, donkey, and horse teeth, the dentures were crafted to replace a full set of teeth. Unfortunately, they proved lackluster because they stained easily, were uncomfortable to wear, and emitted a foul odor.

War Time Teeth – Dentures of the 1800s

With war raging throughout England and Europe, many dentures were crafted using the teeth of soldiers who had died in battle. Sugar consumption among Europeans surged during this time, causing many to lose all or most of their teeth before they reached the age of 50. By taking the teeth of soldiers as well as those of executed criminals, people donned new dentures. They even became a status symbol.

Modern-Day Dentures

In 1774, the first pair of porcelain dentures were crafted but chipped easily, causing them to require further work. After a silversmith placed the porcelain teeth on a gold plate with springs in 1820, the dentures became functional, becoming the model for modern dentures.

Over the years, the material transitioned from porcelain to vulcanite to eventually acrylic resin in the 20^th century. By the 1950s, dental implants became a topic of interest once a successful bond was crafted between bone and titanium rods.

With advancements in technology and research, dentures and dental implants have come a long way. Offering safe and effective ways for patients to rebuild their smile and live life to the fullest, these prosthetics show no signs of disappearing anytime soon.

About the Author
Dr. John T. Thompson is a Corpus Christi dentist who has been taking care of patients’ smiles for 40 years. Earning his dental degree from the Baylor College of Dentistry in 1985, he continues to deliver superior care to those who visit his office in search of a healthier smile. When individuals arrive with missing teeth, he provides different options that are designed to restore and rebuild incomplete smiles; however, dentures remain one of the most popular solutions – one is he proud to offer. If you would like to learn more about these prosthetics and how they can change your life, visit our website or call (361) 242-3151.