As you consider how to enhance your smile, you are likely reviewing the cosmetic dentistry options your dentist offers. While it might seem as if these services, including veneers, teeth whitening, metal-free restorations, etc., have been around for decades, the reality is that aesthetic dentistry spans centuries. Discover how ancient civilizations looked for ways to improve their appearance, and how these initial efforts have changed into what we know about them today.
Where It All Started
There are far too many examples of how early tribes and civilizations used various tools and objects to enhance their smile, but some of the most popular pieces of evidence include:
- 4,000 B.C., ancient Egyptians used gold and ivory to create dental prosthetics (i.e., dentures)
- 200 A.D., Etruscans used gold to create dental crowns and bridges. Also, Egyptians used seashells to replace missing teeth, hammering them into the gums. To whiten their teeth, they also used pumice stone and vinegar to create toothpaste.
- Ancient Romans used urine in their toothpaste because of its high ammonium content, which helped whiten teeth.
- During the Renaissance, dentures were crafted from human teeth or animal bones, and barbers provided dental surgeries and extractions.
- By the 18th century, human teeth were once again used to create dentures, but they proved unsuccessful because they rotted, so they didn’t last long. Alexis Duchåteau created porcelain dentures in 1770, marking a significant change in how these prosthetics were used.
From the 1800s to Now
Taking the porcelain dentures crafted in the 1700s, individuals used 18-carat gold plates, vulcanite, and eventually acrylic resin to create the base for these prosthetics.
By the early 1900s, Dr. Charles Land crafted the first porcelain crown, but they didn’t become widely used until the 50s. This is when porcelain could be fused to metal to create a sturdier, more reliable restoration.
In the 1990s, cosmetic dentists became more popular thanks to the work of researchers and experts in the field. Focusing on how aesthetic dentistry can benefit patients and their oral health, they began using dental lasers to whiten teeth and turning to composite resin for dental fillings and direct bonding.
Although veneers were used in the 1930s, they were later refined to provide a more permanent attachment to natural teeth, ensuring results last 10-15 years.
From urine to dental lasers and seashells to acrylic resin, cosmetic dentistry has thankfully come a long way in changing the way people smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mayank Patel is the lead dentist at Meadowvale Family Dentistry and offers cosmetic services to patients seeking ways to improve their appearance. His pursuit of continuing education and training enables him to deliver superior results that help individuals feel confident in their new smile. Whether you need veneers, teeth whitening, direct bonding, or a complete smile makeover, visit our website or call (905) 821-0011 to schedule a consultation.