People have been using a variety of materials for dentures for hundreds of years. Done In One™ Atlanta takes a brief look back into the history of these early forms of dental replacements. Learn about all the materials dentures have been made of (just in case you wanted to know)!
A SHORT HISTORY OF DENTURES
THE FIRST FALSE TEETH
There is some evidence of rudimentary dentures in many different cultures all around the world. In fact, it's been discovered that ancient Egyptians would take human teeth and gold wire to fill in gaps made by missing teeth. And some ancient tribes in Mexico seem to have replaced lost teeth with those from animals, including wolves.
Japan has the claim to the oldest known pair of complete dentures, believed to have been crafted for the priestess Nakaoka Tei. The replacement teeth were created from a species of tree called Japanese Box, and are shaped similarly to modern dentures. Wood was used as a primary form of tooth replacement in Japan until the 1800s.
USING IVORY AND MORE
Replacement teeth were made from a variety of materials throughout the centuries. Animal teeth were a common replacement, as were teeth from other humans. But, the ancient Mayans used stones and shells to fill the space. In the 1700s, ivory from hippos and elephants became a popular material to use in dentures. Most of us know how George Washington wore dentures for most of his life, but contrary to popular belief, they were made from ivory, not wood.
AN INTERESTING BREAKTHROUGH
While ivory was the preferred material for many years, it had several drawbacks. It stained easily and was expensive to use. In the 1840s, a much easier material was created by the Goodyear family (of Goodyear tire fame). This material, called vulcanite, was a hardened rubber that could be molded to fit a person's gums. Vulcanite was used as the base of the dentures, with the replacement teeth crafted from porcelain and painted to look more white.
20TH CENTURY PROGRESS
In the the 20th century, dentists continued to develop new technologies to make dentures more comfortable and functional than ever. Plastics became a cheap and efficient material for many purposes, including replacement teeth. Dentists used acrylic resin and other types of plastic to offer affordable dental options for their patients.
21ST CENTURY CUSTOM TECHNOLOGY
But now, the 21st century offers true denture customization. The Done In One™ hybrid bridge is a custom milled "="">nanoceramic bridge bonded to a custom milled titanium framework. Our highly skilled master ceramists handcraft the final finishing touches on your hybrid bridge. And with some artistic shading of the gums with glazing, your new teeth are ready for life!
DON'T BE EMBARRASSED BY YOUR TEETH
The Done In One™ procedure helps those suffering from ill-fitting dentures, dental disease, failing or missing teeth with a revolutionary full mouth reconstruction in just two days! No temporary teeth or uncomfortable dentures! First and final implant teeth, digitally designed for you in 48 hours. Schedule your consultation today.