In olden times, dentistry was pretty much centered around addressing oral health issues. This is still the main priority of dentists today, but more and more people are becoming interested in the cosmetic aspects of dentistry for various reasons. With the general population having better oral heal overall and more disposable income, cosmetic dentistry is on the rise. That being said, it isn’t a new concept. Read on to learn more about the history of cosmetic dentistry and how it has evolved into what it is today.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Ancient Times
Going all of the way back to 700 BC, the Etruscans attempted to replace teeth from various sources. Dentures were constructed 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 used urine because of the ammonia that was present (ew!). Thanks to modern developments in science and technology, we have much more effective and less gross methods today.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the Middle Ages
Dentistry is medieval times was completed by a barber. They would file down the teeth and use a special coating to make them appear whiter. This would work temporarily, but it would also destroy the enamel, wearing down the teeth and resulting in infections and tooth loss. Europeans continued to use bone and ivory to replace missing teeth.
Cosmetic Dentistry During the Enlightenment
Cosmetic dentistry started to improve in the 1700s. This is when porcelain became a popular material for making dentures. Dentists would still use metal to fill the sockets of missing teeth, but the body would reject it/ Porcelain teeth were becoming more common as an alternative.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the 20th Century
Starting in the 1900s, materials used for cosmetic dental treatments began to change. Porcelain wasn’t the most affordable material on the market, so plastics and acrylics were used to make crowns and dentures. Acrylic is still a common material used for dental restorations today. In the 1930s, veneers were invented to be used by film stars in movies. In 1937, the first screw-like dental implant was created.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the Modern Era
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for a long time, but it is much more advanced now than ever before. There is a lot of focus on enhancing the appearance of beautiful teeth. Popular techniques, including teeth whitening, veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, and much more. New technologies and techniques are constantly being developed.
Cosmetic dentistry isn’t slowing down! If you aren’t happy with the current appearance of your smile, schedule a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can put together a place to best achieve your smile goals!
About the Author
Dr. A. Faris Waheed earned his dental doctorate from the prestigious Tufts University School of Dental Medicine. Since then, he has completed several post-graduate courses focused on various subjects, including BOTOX, dermal fillers, and Invisalign. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry, and SPEAR Education. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment, visit his website or call (850) 890-7990.