The History of Cosmetic Dentistry

November 18, 2013 – Peoria, ArizonaMany people suppose the practice of dentistry in ancient times was limited to removing teeth when they hurt too much. Believe it or not, cosmetic dentistry can be traced as far back as 700 B.C.!

The Etruscans, who lived in Italy between 700 to 650 B.C. created some of the first dentures out of bone and ivory. Dentures were also commonly made from real teeth, whether from humans or from animals. The human teeth were often procured from the dead, but sometimes donors removed and sold their own teeth when they were in need of money. Dentures made from real teeth rotted quickly and smelled rotten too, but their use persisted through the 1800s.

Archeological digs have turned up some of the earliest dentures; surprisingly they were made from wood. Other ancient cultures created partial dentures and bridges by twisting wires to hold artificial teeth in place. These early sets of dentures and bridges were useful both for cosmetic
purposes as well as to assist in chewing, but were obviously very uncomfortable.

During the 1100s barbers began to add dental procedures to their services. By the 1200s barbers were also considered dental surgeons. In the 1400s the barbers were forced to give up practicing dental surgery, although they still practiced dental hygiene services. Of course, in those days dental hygiene often meant scraping teeth with a stick until the first animal hair toothbrush came along. The early Egyptians used toothpaste made from ground pumice stone and vinegar. The first nylon toothbrush wasn’t manufactured until 1940.

Since early times people also attempted teeth whitening agents. When barbers practiced dental hygiene they would apply acid to teeth to whiten them, but the acid damaged the tooth enamel and eventually destroyed the teeth. Worse yet, the ancient Romans used urine as a teeth whitening agent since it contains ammonia.

During the 1800s porcelain teeth became very popular, changing the business of cosmetic dentistry. Around 1850 another breakthrough in dentures came along with the invention of Vulcanite, a type of rubber that was used as a base for artificial teeth, making wearing dentures more comfortable. Soon dental labs began to manufacture dentures. In the early 1900s, dental labs began to use acrylics for dentures and acrylic is the material we still use today for contemporary dentures.

In the early 1900s the first porcelain crowns were invented. They didn’t work well until around 1955 when they learned to fuse porcelain to metal.

Thankfully, by the 1900s dentists had moved on from using acid to whiten teeth and began using hydrogen peroxide along with a light instead. This method required many treatments to achieve the desired results, but was worth it since it didn’t harm teeth. In the later 1990s laser teeth whitening came along. The FDA approved process combined a bleaching agent along with a light to bleach teeth in only one hour. Today this process is very common place.

Dental veneers have probably been around a lot longer than you think. They came into use during the 1930s. They were often used by movie stars, but they only stayed in place temporarily, being held in place by denture adhesive. It wasn’t until the 1980s that a revolutionary technique was introduced, allowing dentists to permanently bond porcelain dental veneers to teeth. Modern dental veneers are thin, natural in appearance, and durable, often lasting up to 20 years.

Even white dental fillings are a fairly new development. Dental bonding and composite fillings had a high rate of failure until the acid etch technique in conjunction with a light to cure composite fillings came on the scene.

While early cosmetic dentistry was often painful, with procedures and devices that didn’t work well, today’s Peoria AZ cosmetic dentistry is virtually painless and achieves excellent, natural looking results.

Not that long ago it was unusual for older adults to have all of their natural teeth. Today people in Peoria are better educated as to dental hygiene and preventative dentistry. Proper brushing and flossing along with regular Peoria Arizona dental exams and fluoride treatments really works! Due to these advances people now plan to keep their teeth for a lifetime and want them to look their best.

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