How Have Dentures Changed Throughout Time?

Dentures have been used for generations to restore complete, beautiful smiles. Despite their bad reputation for being uncomfortable and unattractive, modern dentures closely look and feel like real teeth. They are a popular solution for tooth loss because continual improvements in dentistry have paved the road to success. Here’s how the evolution of dentures has led to the stunning prosthetics available today.

Discovering Early Dentures

Believe it or not, dentures have been around since 700 BC when the Etruscans used human and animal teeth. Gold wires tied the teeth together to fill the space of those that had been lost. Despite their aesthetic benefits, they weren’t reliable for eating.

Animal teeth were also used for centuries, but the Ancient Mayans turned to carved stones, bone, and seashells. The objects were hammered into the bone, creating the earliest form of a dental implant. Various methods and materials were used throughout history, but the Japanese are accredited with designing the first complete denture, which was made of wood.

You may have heard that George Washington had wooden teeth, but this isn’t quite accurate. His dentures were carved from ivory, which held human, horse, and donkey teeth. Ivory was the go-to material for decades, but they were expensive, uncomfortable, and smelled. 

Development of Modern Dentures

In the 1800s, replacement teeth were in high demand because a complete smile was a symbol of success. Human teeth were removed from the dead after the Battle of Waterloo. Teeth were also extracted from criminals and those in poverty to meet the demand.

The first pair of porcelain dentures was made in 1774. Dental professionals discovered porcelain chipped easily, creating gold plates to hold prosthetic teeth. Over the years, new materials and technologies have enhanced this method, providing natural-looking solutions with the ideal fit. 

Modern dentures use an acrylic base that’s made using digital technology to fit the mouth like a glove. The gum-colored material holds customized prosthetic teeth, which are carefully crafted to look real. The denture sits on top of the gum tissue and is held in place using suction, but that’s not the only method to treat tooth loss. 

A dental implant developed from ancient civilizations’ attempts to replace the entire tooth structure by inserting objects into the jaw. A dental implant is the only treatment to replicate both the root and crown. Titanium posts are placed into the jawbone to serve as tooth roots while supporting the denture, creating the next best thing to your real teeth. 

Your dentist will evaluate your mouth and learn more about your preferences to choose the best denture to restore a confident, functional smile you’ll want to share with the world. 

About Dr. Muna Koro

Dr. Koro earned her dental degree from Loma Linda University and continued her education to earn her certificate in prosthodontics. She has advanced training to create high-quality dentures. If you’re ready to replace your missing teeth, contact our office today to request your consultation.