Dentures may seem like a thoroughly modern invention, the way they work so well to improve your life. But did you know that tooth replacements in some form have been around for centuries? In fact, the first known false teeth date back to 700 BC when the Etruscans of Northern Italy crafted them from human or animal teeth bound with gold wires. Though these were likely for cosmetic purposes only, similar types of restorations have been found around in archaeological sites in Egypt and Mexico.
Here’s a closer look at the fascinating history of dentures, and how the pursuit of a beautiful smile has been a quest for mankind for the ages!
The First Dentures
Though there have been rudimentary dentures and tooth replacements found throughout history, the oldest surviving complete pair of dentures dates to 16th century Japan. These prosthetics were made of wood, not bone, and this style of denture was so popular it was even used until 19th century!
George Washington’s Dentures
There is a lot of lore around the first President of the United States, George Washington’s dentures. Despite rumors, his were in fact made of a carved hippopotamus ivory plate with human, horse, and donkey teeth attached to it. During this time, it was not uncommon for wealthy people to wear similar prosthetics carved from hippo, walrus, and elephant ivory.
These were not very durable, however, as over time they would easily become stained, uncomfortable, and smelled awful. Still, they remained popular with wealthy patients until the early 1800s.
The 1800s
During the1800s, sugar had become a very popular sweetener, especially in England. It did so much damage to smiles that by the age of 50, many people had lost most of their teeth. To find more, they took to the battlefields of Europe, harvesting them from fallen soldiers to be used in prosthetics. They were also taken from executed criminals and sold by poor people who harvested their own teeth out of desperation to make money.
Porcelain Dentures
In 1774, porcelain dentures were developed by a British physician. Though they looked unnaturally white and were easily damaged, they at least replaced the need to find human teeth. Thankfully, in 1820, a silversmith was able to successfully mount porcelain teeth onto gold plates with springs and swivels, allowing them to work more efficiently.
Today’s Dentures
Because porcelain dentures were extremely expensive, most people could not afford them. Thus, in the mid-1800s, the Goodyear family developed a pair made of vulcanized rubber (the same thing hockey pucks are made of!). This made an excellent base for dentures that was both more affordable and customizable than other materials. These prosthetics remained popular for many years, until the 20th century when acrylic and resin bases were introduced, ushering in the dentures we still use and love today!
To learn more about whether dentures are the right solution for your smile, please contact your dentist for more information, and be a part of oral health history!
About Our Practice
At Salt Run Family Dentistry, we’re locally owned and operated, which means the smiles of our community are important to us. Our team of three skilled and caring dentists are here to help restore the health and beauty of your teeth, whether they’re all yours, or you’re missing one or more.
If you’d like to learn more about whether you’re a good candidate for dentures, please schedule an appointment with us today by visiting our website or calling 904-824-3540.