Flaws in our teeth can leave us feeling self-conscious or like we don’t measure up. Fortunately, there are solutions! If you’re like many others, you may be considering cosmetic dentistry to address aesthetic imperfections in your smile. Did you know that if you do you’ll be another patient in a long line that goes back to ancient history? Scientists have found indications that even ancient humans sought solutions to fix their grin. Keep reading to learn more about cosmetic dentistry through the ages and why now is a perfect time to give it a try!
Ancient History
We tend to view cosmetic dentistry as a more modern invention, but there are indicators as early as 700 B.C. that ancient humans attempted to replace their teeth. There is evidence that Etruscans made dentures using ivory and bone, or teeth taken from dead animals or people- yuck!
Ancient Egyptians, meanwhile, were known to make dental crowns and bridges out of gold, or hammered seashells into their gums to replace missing pearly whites. Not only that, but they even developed a toothpaste made of vinegar and pumice stone to remove discoloration.
Medieval Methods
In the Middle Ages, dentistry wasn’t considered a field of its own, and whitening your teeth fell to your barber. They filed teeth down to ideal shapes and would use a special coating to whiten them. This frequently destroyed the enamel, however, leading to even worse oral care concerns. People continued using bone and ivory as dentures at this time, as well as attempting to use teeth from human bodies.
Material Developments
There was a jump in dental care in the 1700s when dentures were created with porcelain which the body wouldn’t reject like it would human teeth. Then in the 1800s dentists attempted placing metal into empty tooth sockets but peoples’ bodies often rejected this, too. As a result, porcelain continued to gain popularity and dentists began using plaster molds to help dentures fit better.
Modern Advancements
In the 1900s, plastics and acrylics were used for dental work instead of porcelain which was more costly. This made it more available to people who previously wouldn’t have had access. Further developments in materials and technologies in the 20th century led to veneers, fillings, and teeth implants.
Today, your dentist has access to incredible technology and can provide all sorts of treatments to enhance your grin that weren’t available in the past. If you need veneers, for example, they’re thinner and more durable than ever before. Dentists can remove years’ worth of staining in a single whitening session, or give you an at-home whitening kit with custom-fitted trays and professional-grade ingredients. They can fill or create a cap for a damaged tooth in a single visit using composite resin instead of metal. They can even straighten your teeth without attaching a single bulky bracket!
If you’re considering cosmetic dentistry, there’s no better time than now to take the plunge. With current materials and methods, you’ll have a beautiful smile for years to come.
About the Practice
Beverly Farms Dental has a long history of serving patients of all ages in the area for over 30 years. We provide a wide range of services using the most advanced technology on-site to reduce outside referrals or additional visits. We provide all digital X-rays and use virtual 3D models to build crowns, porcelain veneers, Invisalign trays, and more. If you’d like a consultation, you are welcome to request an appointment on our website or by calling (978) 927-3515.