Denture prosthetics have come a long way from the clunky, uncomfortable appliances of the past. If you think dentures still mean wooden teeth and awkward chewing, think again. Today’s dentures are lighter, more natural-looking, and far more comfortable thanks to centuries of progress in dental science. If you’re curious about how dentures got their start and how they became the modern dental marvels of today, continue reading.
The Earliest Known Dentures
The earliest known dentures date back to around 700 BC. The Etruscans of Northern Italy are credited with the first prosthetics made from human and animal teeth held together with metal bands, often made with gold.
However, these false teeth wouldn’t have held up under the pressure of chewing, so archeologists speculate that they were mostly for aesthetic purposes.
Dentures of the Revolution
In the 1700s, George Washington famously wore dentures. However, despite popular myths, they weren’t made of wood! His prosthetics were actually crafted from hippopotamus ivory, along with a mix of human, horse, and donkey teeth.
Though sturdy, these materials didn’t hold up well to constant moisture. Over time, the ivory darkened, cracked, and began to smell, making them far from pretty. No wonder he rarely smiled in portraits!
Porcelain Dentures of the 19th Century
By the early 1800s, porcelain teeth became popular. They looked more realistic than ivory, but they were brittle and prone to chipping. Denture bases were still made from hard materials like gold or vulcanite (a hardened rubber), which offered little flexibility and didn’t always fit well.
Even though these prosthetics looked better, they still weren’t particularly comfortable or practical for everyday wear.
Modern Dentures of the 20th Century to Today
The invention of acrylic changed dentures forever in the early 1900s. Not only did they look better, but they could also be molded to comfortably fit into the mouth. This paved the way for the rapid advancement of denture technology over the next few decades.
Today’s dentures are crafted with precision using digital impressions and advanced materials. They can be made to match your natural smile, feel comfortable from day one, and stay in place better than ever before.
There are even implanted options that secure to titanium fixtures surgically placed within your jawbone. This is as close to a “bionic” jaw as it gets, but with dental technology advancing so quickly, who knows what innovations the future holds?
If you’ve been putting off dentures because of outdated ideas, it might be time to reconsider! Modern dentures can improve your ability to eat, speak, and smile with no animal teeth or hard rubber in sight.
About the Practice
Ready to transform your smile with dentures? Dr. Christian A. Pham and Dr. Patricia Arantxa Nuñez can help you achieve a higher quality of life with beautifully made prosthetics. For many years, our team at Crownridge Dental has provided quality dental care for patients struggling with dental deficiencies of all kinds. Call (210) 538-7500 to schedule a denture consultation with us or visit our website to learn more.