The History Of Dentures


Dentures are hardly a new concept! In fact, false teeth have existed for thousands of years as a solution to human tooth loss. Let’s dive into the fascinating and sometimes weird history of dentures.

Ancient false teeth were constructed from various materials. The oldest discovered set, dating back to 2500 BC, was made from wolf teeth. Similarly, the ancient Etruscans (circa 700 BC) attached human and animal teeth to wire bands to create dentures.

The people of 16th century Japan commonly used wood to make false teeth. However, in spite of the legend of George Washington’s wooden teeth, European and American people in the 1700s had dentures that were largely made from carved ivory, animal teeth and even human teeth. Washington’s dentures were similarly fashioned from a variety of materials.

Porcelain—a material still used in dental work today—was introduced as a material for false teeth in the 1770s. However, at that time, they were fragile and too white to pass as natural teeth, so many people preferred fake teeth fashioned from animal or human teeth.

The next big advancement in false teeth was the introduction of Vulcanite—or a hardened rubber—in the 1850s. Porcelain teeth were set in the Vulcanite, which would then be slipped over the gums. This remained a popular form of dentures until the turn of the 20th century, when acrylic and other plastics were introduced as materials to construct false teeth with.

Modern dentures continue to be a popular prosthetic, as adult tooth loss is still a common condition. And more options for dentures are available now than ever before! Talk with your dentist to determine which denture solution is best for you or your loved ones.

At Almeida Bell, we want to help you to achieve your best smile! Visit our website to see our array of cosmetic dental services and schedule your consultation today.

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