You might be surprised to know that dentists existed back in ancient times! Of course, they weren’t as proficient at the work than today’s professionals, but there is a kind of magnificence to their efforts to fix people’s teeth. Aside from making teeth strong and healthy, in what ways did people in the past try to beautify a smile? Keep reading to learn a quick history of cosmetic dentistry from your dentist in Waterford.
Ancient Techniques of Fixing a Smile
As far back as 700 B.C., people made dentures using ivory, bone, and also human/animal teeth (from the dead, of course!). Ancient Egyptians also tried making dental crowns and bridges with gold, and if they wanted to fix the discoloration of their teeth, they’d use a pumice stone/vinegar toothpaste in attempts to scrub away dental stains.
Ancient Romans had a different idea for stain removing toothpaste: their urine. Since urine contains ammonia that breaks down stains, they’d use this concoction as a tooth whitening solution. Thank goodness we have better options today!
Medieval Dentistry
During the Middle Ages, barbers were often also dentists. Part of their job was to file their patron’s teeth and whiten them using a paste made from a mixture of salt crystals. However, this paste usually ruined the enamel, thus destroying the tooth in the process. Europeans also rediscovered the lost practices for cosmetic dentistry, such as using bone or ivory as dentures.
Age of Enlightenment in Dentistry
At the beginning of the 1700s, cosmetic and prosthetic dentistry improved significantly with the use of porcelain for dentures. Metal was another material used in the sockets of missing teeth, but it was found that the body rejected this. Porcelain teeth, then, became the popular solution into the 1800s.
Cosmetic Dentistry Today
As soon as the 20th Century began, there was a greater focus on beautifying people’s smiles rather than simply making stronger foundations. This was due to the advancements in dental technology, such as the invention of laser dentistry for gum disease treatment and teeth whitening. Along with preserving the brightness of one’s teeth, dentists were able to perform more enduring solutions:
- Fillings & Bonding: Tooth filling material was invented in the 1950s, and it wasn’t until the 1980s that a permanent bonding was created. Before then, metal fillings were the only options, but now there’s safer, more natural-colored ones.
- Veneers: Invented in the 1930s as a temporary fix for movie stars, veneers weren’t able to bond to teeth like today until the 1980s. Now, they are thin, durable and can last up to 20 years with proper care.
Through many years of experimentation and ingenuity, cosmetic dentists today have gone farther than their predecessors could have ever imagined! It’s never been easier to get the smile of your dreams, so call your cosmetic dentist today!
About the Author
Dr. Dinesh Patel earned his DDS from the State University at Buffalo and is licensed by the North East Regional Board. Using state-of-the-art equipment, he provides teeth whitening and veneers, along with a collection of other dental treatments for your needs. If you want to know more about how far cosmetic dentistry has come, visit his website or call him at (814) 923-4510.