Have you ever lost a tooth as an adult? If so, you are not alone. According to the American College of Prosthodontics, an estimated 178 million Americans are missing at least one tooth. Moreover, tooth loss has been an issue for thousands of years. Fortunately, humans have always been incredibly innovative, and a gapped smile was unacceptable even back then! As a result, early dentures were created. Of course, over time, modern technology has made them more comfortable and natural looking. Read on to learn about how dentures have evolved so people can have a complete, beautiful smile!
The Early Beginnings of Dentures
Historians have revealed that evidence of early dentures dates as far back as 700 B.C.! The materials used to restore a person’s smile were ivory, animal bones, and human teeth. While temporarily effective, these early prosthetics eventually became uncomfortable to wear and began to produce foul odors. Additionally, they were expensive to make at the time, so they were only a tooth loss solution for the wealthy.
The Introduction of Porcelain Dentures
As time went on, there was increased access to more effective materials and design abilities. Also, tooth decay became even more rampant with the rise of consuming refined sugar. As a result, widespread tooth loss occurred throughout Europe. Luckily, an inventive British doctor developed the first pair of porcelain dentures in 1774. The design continued to evolve and eventually was upgraded to include springs, gold plates, and swivels that gave the ability for the teeth to be more effective and functional.
Of course, there were downsides to the early progression of these dentures—the material chipped easily and gave an unnaturally colored smile. However, the first set of modern dentures helped complete many 18th-century smiles!
Modern Dentures
Dentures continued to evolve between the mid-1800s and 2020. Thanks to the advancements in dental technology and techniques, different materials and designs were used to perfect dentures. Currently, they are comprised of acrylic resin and plastics. These evolutions have helped modern prosthetics to be safer, more affordable, and more natural looking. Additionally, current times have produced special cleaning solutions and adhesives that help to extend their lifespan while also improving their functionality.
As you can see, dentures have come a long way since the original crude designs. Now, thanks to decades of innovation, people can have a complete set of pearly whites that are beautiful and long-lasting!
About the Practice
Winning Smile helps keep the smiles of Evanston healthy and whole through the expertise of its team of dentists. By using advanced technology and personalized plans, they provide a full range of dental services using. They offer custom-made prosthetics made from high-quality materials, including full, partial, and implant dentures. To schedule an appointment, contact them through their website or call (847) 350-1697.