Going to the dentist used to be focused on addressing oral health issues and getting essential care. This is still the main priority of dentistry today, but elective procedures are becoming increasingly popular. However, this doesn’t mean that cosmetic dentistry is new. It actually goes back several millennia. Read on to learn about the history of cosmetic dentistry and how it became what it is today.
Ancient Times
Going back to 700 B.C., the Etruscans tried to replace missing teeth with various materials. In most cases, dentures were made from materials like bone and ivory. They would also use animal teeth or teeth from deceased humans. Ancient Egyptians would use seashells as a way to replace their missing teeth. Crowns and bridges could be made using gold. As for teeth whitening, Ancient Romans would use urine because of the ammonia that was present (ew!). Thanks to modern dental technology, we have much more effective (and less gross) teeth whitening methods today.
The Middle Ages
Dental procedures were completed by a barber back in the Middle Ages. They would file down teeth and use a special coat to make them appear whiter. The issue is that this would destroy the enamel of the teeth, wear them down, and eventually cause tooth loss. Europeans continued to use bone and ivory to replace their missing teeth.
The Enlightenment
Cosmetic dentistry began making significant leaps and bounds in the 1700s. This is when porcelain became a popular material for making dentures. Dentists would still use metal to fill the sockets of the missing teeth, but the body would reject it. Porcelain teeth were becoming increasingly more common than before.
The 20th Century
In the 1900s, the materials used for cosmetic treatments began to change. Porcelain was expensive, so many people were unable to afford it. In its place, plastics and acrylics started to be used to make crowns and dentures. Acrylic is still used today for dental restorations. In the 1930s, veneers were invented to be used by film stars in movies. In 1937, the first screw-like dental implant was created.
Modern Times
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for a long time, but it is much more advanced and popular than it ever was. Here is a lot of focus on enhancing the appearance of beautiful smiles. Some popular techniques include teeth whitening, veneers, fillings, dental implants, and more! New techniques and technologies are still being developed every year.
Cosmetic dentistry has progressed so far, and it won’t be stopping anytime soon. If you want to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it can benefit you, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can put together a plan to achieve the smile of your dreams!
About the Practice
At Hiner Family Dentistry, Dr. Matt Hiner and Dr. Reagan Hinner work together to serve patients in the Houston area. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need at one convenient location. They offer a wide range of cosmetic options to transform smiles. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule a consultation, visit their website or call (713) 667-6478.