Dental problems have been around for as long as man can remember. Back in the old days, toothpaste wasn’t exactly what it is today. Instead, people more or less had to just accept tooth loss and decay. Because of this, false teeth (dentures) have been around for over 4,000 years—since 2500 B.C.!
Discovery of False Teeth
When false teeth were first discovered in history, they were made of wolf’s teeth. Years later, we saw Etruscans using bands and wires to attach both human and animal teeth as makeshift dentures. Cultures from Egypt, Rome, Japan, and more have historically created and used dentures to supplement tooth decay or loss. As time evolved, wood and animal teeth transitioned to ivory and the rest is history. Everyone from turners, goldsmiths, and surgeons started to create dentures from ivory and this led us to evolve to our current standard of dentures made of plastic, acrylic resin, or porcelain.
Famous False Teeth
There are many famous people who have had dentures throughout the years, but the most notable candidate was George Washington and his wooden teeth. However, contrary to what you’ve heard, George Washington’s dentures weren’t actually made of wood. They were made of ivory. However, they were bulky, wired to his teeth, and caused immeasurable pain. Not only this, but his dentures were so extensive that they changed the entire shape of his face!
Luckily, if you need dentures today, medical and technological advances have made it easy, pain-free, and cosmetically appealing. Now, dentures can be made so they are partial or full, depending on a patient’s tooth loss. The implants can also be removable or fixed based on your preference.
Keeping Your Smile
With modern dentistry practices and good oral hygiene habits, we can keep our teeth in good condition for longer. While there are over 30 million Americans who no longer have their natural teeth, there are alternatives to keeping a vibrant smile. For those looking to keep your teeth, make sure you brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste, floss regularly, and see your dentist every 6 months for regular cleanings and checkups. To schedule an appointment with Artistic Dental or learn more about how we can help you keep your teeth looking their best, call us today at 602-840-5400.