For centuries, humans have emphasized smile aesthetics. Although things are drastically different now than they were thousands of years ago, early civilizations wanted the same thing we do today – a beautiful smile. Fortunately, the discovery of dentistry and its many innovations allow today’s professionals to deliver one-of-a-kind results that don’t rely on urine or other bothersome solutions to enhance teeth. Discover just how far cosmetic dentistry has come and why so many people look to it for a healthier, more vibrant appearance.
Cosmetic Dentistry: From Ancient Times to The Age of Enlightenment
It’s likely that you might assume that cosmetic dentistry is a newer addition to the dental world; however, long before formal dentistry existed, individuals were using virtually anything they could find to whiten, brighten, and enhance their smiles. For instance:
- 700 B.C. saw dentures being made from ivory, bone, and human and animal teeth.
- Dental bridges and crowns were made out of gold, and Ancient Egyptians used seashells to replace missing teeth, hammering them into the gums.
- Ancient Egyptians also used pumice stone and vinegar to remove stains from teeth.
- The Ancient Romans used their urine to create stain-removing toothpaste.
- With the arrival of the Medieval Times, barbers were designated to file teeth and whiten them; however, they often damaged tooth enamel.
- By the 1700s, porcelain became the primary material for dentures.
- By the 1800s, cosmetic dentistry became more popular with metal becoming the leading material for replacing missing teeth. This eventually led to porcelain teeth being used to create dentures.
Cosmetic Dentistry in the 20th Century
By the 20th century, porcelain dental crowns were not deemed inexpensive, so many dentists turned to acrylic and plastic to create dentures and other similar restorations. It was also during this time that teeth whitening became a process that relied on hydrogen peroxide and a special bleaching light to eliminate stains – a process that is quite similar today; however, many dentists use carbamide peroxide instead.
Other advanced solutions that took off during this time include:
- Composite fillings and bonding became more popular in the 1950s with the invention of white tooth filling material and the notion of etching tooth enamel for proper adhesion. By the 1980s, dental bonding was widely accepted.
- Veneers were discovered in the 1930s but became a more popular option in the 1980s with the help of new bonding techniques to help hold them in place.
- Dental implants made their mark in the 1950s with the discovery of osseointegration, but the 1980s saw the public becoming more aware of their advantages.
- Orthodontics for many years has been dominated by metal brackets and wires, but clear aligners and other similar solutions have made this type of care more enjoyable for patients of all ages.
Changing the appearance of your smile is now easier than ever before. Thankfully, the tactics and solutions used centuries ago are no longer allowed (or necessary!). With more and more people focused on their appearance, it’s unlikely cosmetic dentistry will fade away in the future. Instead, it is likely to grow more popular over time.
About Grand Dental – South Elgin
At Grand Dental – South Elgin, our team consists of some of the most skilled and experienced cosmetic dentists in the area. Capable of transforming appearances using veneers, metal-free restorations, cosmetic dental bonding, teeth whitening, and more, we can give individuals the smiles of their dreams with results that last longer. Visit our website or call us at (847) 999-0935 to learn how we can help.