When you think of dentures, you might imagine big clunky mouthpieces that clacked when your grandparent spoke and often didn’t quite stay in their mouth. It’s true that dentures were not always the most reliable method of restorative dentistry. After all, technology wasn’t quite the same back in the 1700s when they were first invented. The evolution of dentures has transformed the way they work for those who wear them, and your Crown Point dentist explains how.
Dentures: How Far Have They Come?
Over the centuries, restorative dentistry has come a very long way, and replacing multiple teeth has gotten much easier and more useful for those who need this treatment. Here is a brief history of how far the design and functionality of dentures have come over time:
The Very Beginning
Historians estimate that the first “false teeth” were created in 700 BC, and were often made out of animal teeth, other human teeth, or even metals! Back then, their purpose was more about functionality to get the job done rather than aesthetics. Over time, the desire to look better while also being able to eat and speak normally transitioned dentures into a different phase.
Dentures in the 1700s
At the end of the 7th century BC, early “dentures” faded out with the civilization that had created them, but then resurfaced in popularity in the early 1700s. This time, they weren’t made from animal teeth or metal, but instead, they were crafted from ivory, porcelain, and oddly enough, the teeth of soldiers killed during the 1815 battle of Waterloo. While these dentures looked more realistic, they were often not strong enough to sustain eating, so oral functionality was still an issue that needed solving.
Today’s Dentures
Years of advancements in the technology behind cosmetic dentistry have brought dentures a long way from where they started. Today’s dentures have boundless options from being partial, where only a few prosthetic teeth are needed, and event implanted so they’re not able to be removed or lost. They are made of a high-quality acrylic resin that not only comes in multiple shades to match the surrounding teeth, but they are extremely hard to break and do not stain easily.
If you’re in need of a smile transformation, have lost multiple teeth, or just need a dental prosthetic enhancement, there has never been a better time to talk to your dentist about dentures!
About the Author
Dr. Joe Ornelas has known he wanted to go into the medical field since a very young age, and he is very happy that he chose dentistry. He is passionate about providing his patients with transformed smiles and oral functionality through the gift of restorative dentistry. In order to stay up to date with the latest advancements in dentistry and to enhance his skills, he regularly takes continuing education courses. It is his priority that everyone who visits his practice leaves feeling well cared for. Are you ready to talk about a new smile? Request a consultation online or call (219) 663-2829.