If you’ve ever considered improving the appearance of your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry, you may be surprised to know that this elective branch of oral health care isn’t new. In fact, historians have found evidence of early cosmetic procedures dating back to 700 BC when the Etruscans began using ivory, human teeth, and bone to fashion the first dentures.
Here’s a brief look into the intriguing history of cosmetic dentistry!
Early Beginnings
Back in ancient Egypt, your smile was considered a status symbol. Wealthy people frequently used things like gold and seashells to replace missing teeth or create dentures or crowns.
To whiten their teeth, people used pastes made of pumice and vinegar to scrub away stains. This was very bad for the teeth, but at least they weren’t using their own urine as mouthwash like the ancient Romans did!
Medieval Methods
Because there weren’t any dentists during medieval times, the barber was the go-to person for any oral health needs. Barbers would frequently file down teeth and apply a topcoat to them to make them look whiter; however, this proved to be a bad idea, as it ultimately ended up destroying the enamel to the point of complete destruction of the tooth.
The 1700s – 1800s
By the 1700s, dentists had begun using porcelain to fashion dentures, and by the 1800s they were crafting dental implants by putting metal in the sockets of missing teeth. Though neither of these practices were ultimately successful, they did introduce porcelain dental restorations to the universe, something that we still use in various forms today!
The 20th Century
In the early 20th century, porcelain prosthetics were still too expensive for many people, so dentists sought other materials for restorations, including plastic and acrylic. These materials worked well enough that they are still used in many treatments today.
Gone were the days of using dangerous or unsanitary items to whiten teeth, as dentists also began using peroxide during this time, and by the mid-1990s, incorporating lasers into treatments as well.
By the 1990s, dental bonding, dental implants, clear aligners, and porcelain veneers had all debuted in dental offices around the world, where they have all remained popular decades later.
Remember, while improving your smile may be new to you, cosmetic dentistry itself has been around in some form for centuries. Thankfully, today’s treatments are a lot safer, more effective, and more durable than ever. To learn more about how this time-honored field of oral health can help you, schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation today!
About Our Practice
At Meadowvale Family Dentistry, Dr. Mayank Patel and Dr. Ka Biu Ip are proud to work together to collaborate on your care. Whether you need restorative work, an exam and cleaning, or you’d like to improve your smile with the help of cosmetic dentistry treatment, our skilled dentists and friendly team are ready to assist you.
To schedule your consultation to learn more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments, please visit our website or call us today at 905-821-0011.