Tooth loss can detract from your daily quality of life in a few different ways. For instance, you might feel self-conscious about the new gaps in your grin. You might also struggle to bite and chew food, or develop a lisp, slur, or other speech impediment.
Your dentist can provide lifelike dentures to rebuild your smile’s appearance and functionality. Today, these restorations are made with resilient, customizable materials to look and feel as realistic as possible, but that hasn’t always been the case. Continue reading to learn more about how these replacement teeth evolved over time!
When Were the First Dentures Made?
Many patients assume that dental restorations are a relatively recent invention, but the truth is that humans have been seeking appropriate solutions to replace lost or damaged teeth for thousands of years.
For instance, the earliest known set of dentures was believed to be created by the Etruscans, an ancient culture in what is now Italy, around the year 700 BC. These rudimentary replacements were carved from durable materials, such as ivory from elephants, hippos, or walruses.
What Materials Were Used for Early Dentures?
Over the centuries, various cultures around the world have sought ways to repair their smiles that the human body wouldn’t reject. For example, archeologists have found evidence of indigenous tribes in Mexico using wolf teeth to rebuild ones they had lost, while ancient Mayans used carved stones, bits of bone, and seashells.
Wood was another popular material used in various locations from the 16th to the 20th centuries. The first known set of wooden dentures is believed to belong to a Japanese nun, known as Hotokehime, at a temple in Wakayama City. Prosthetics made this way were also widely used throughout Europe, along with ones made from teeth scavenged from those who had fallen in battle.
How Did Denture Materials Evolve?
It wasn’t until the mid-1800s that vulcanite, a type of hardened rubber, was invented by the Goodyear family and scientists learned it could be molded to fit a person’s gums. This led to much more comfortable solutions that eventually led to dentures as we know them today.
Thanks to ongoing developments in dental technology, materials, and techniques, today, dentures are considered more comfortable and resilient than ever before. They’re carefully customized at each stage of their design and creation to fit your mouth like a glove. Plus, they’re built to resemble your natural teeth and gums for beautiful results that boost your confidence.
If you’re tired of living with the negative effects of tooth loss, you can start your journey to rebuild your smile by scheduling a consultation with your dentist!
About the Practice
At Advanced Smile Design, you and your family benefit from a team of dentists who are passionate about helping you build and maintain beautiful, healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Patel, Dr. Gandhi, and Dr. Gadde collaborate to offer a comprehensive menu of services, including providing lifelike dentures, to meet the needs of people of all ages. Their caring approach is combined with advanced technology for more accurate results intended to last. You can request an appointment on the website or call (215) 659-3334.
