Going back a few decades, going to the dentist was more focused on addressing oral health issues and getting essential treatment. This is still the priority of dentists today, but elective procedures are becoming increasingly popular. However, the concept of cosmetic dentistry certainly isn’t new. It goes back thousands of years. Continue reading to learn more about the history of cosmetic dentistry and how it became what it is today.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Ancient Times
It you go all the way back to 700 B.C., the Etruscans attempted to replace teeth from a variety of different materials. Most of the time, dentures were constructed from materials like bone and ivory. Sometimes, they would 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. Thanks to modern dental technology, we have much more effective and less gross teeth whitening methods today.
Medieval Cosmetic Dentistry
Dentistry was done by a barber in the Middle Ages. They would file down teeth and use a special coat to make them whiter. The problem is that this would destroy the enamel of the teeth and eventually cause tooth loss. Europeans continued to use bone and ivory to replace their missing teeth.
Aesthetic Dentistry in the Enlightenment
Cosmetic dentistry really began to improve in the 1700s. This is when porcelain became a popular material to make dentures. Dentists would still use metal to fill the sockets of missing teeth, but the body would reject it. Porcelain teeth were becoming increasingly more common than before.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the 20th Century
Starting in the 1900s, the 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 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 Aesthetic Dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry has been around for a while, but it is more advanced and popular than ever before. There is a lot of focus on enhancing the appearance of beautiful, natural teeth. Popular techniques include teeth whitening, porcelain veneers, fillings, and dental implants. New techniques and technologies are still being developed every year!
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way, and it isn’t going to stop anytime soon. Having a beautiful smile is more valuable now than ever before!
About the Author
Dr. Beverly Rose is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades. She earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry and is an alumnus of the prestigious Las Vegas Institute. Dr. Rose regularly attends clinical seminars through the International Association of Comprehensive Aesthetics as well as the American Dental Association and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. To learn more about cosmetic dentistry or to schedule an appointment at her office in Melbourne, visit her website or call (321) 259-4666.