How Have Dentures Changed Over the Years?

While the technology continues to turn up a notch for teeth replacement, the practice has been underway for an exceptionally long time. False teeth and then dentures have quite a history spanning several continents.

Keep reading to learn about the evolution of dentures and how they benefit patients today.

The Rise of False Teeth

Humans have never been short on creativity when it comes to tooth replacement. It is believed that the concept of dentures began around 700 BC when the Etruscans of Northern Italy constructed them out of human or animal teeth and tied them together with gold wiring. This seemed to be more of a cosmetic accessory than a functional chewing tool.

Across the Atlantic, indigenous Mexican tribes replaced their teeth with those of wolves, inserting them into the empty sockets. Ancient Mayans used carved stones, bones, and even seashells to replace their teeth. These materials eventually fused to their jawbones to create a permanent fix.

The Earliest Dentures

The first surviving set of complete dentures were made of wood back in 16th-century Japan. They relied on the same sort of suction technique that is used today to stabilize modern dentures. Over time, they began to include human teeth or those made from animal horn.

It was once thought that George Washington had wooden dentures, but they were actually made from a carved hippopotamus ivory plate that included human and equine teeth. We can surmise that these dentures probably didn’t smell very good, were easily stained, and uncomfortable to wear.

Dentures Grow in Popularity

In the 1800s, the demand for dentures expanded as sugar consumption in Europe skyrocketed. Teeth were being collected from soldiers who died in battle, executed criminals, or poor people who were looking to make some quick money. Though dentures of the time were extremely uncomfortable, they were still very expensive, and a status symbol worn only by the wealthy who could afford them.

In 1774, a British physician named Alexis Duchateau invented the first set of porcelain dentures after his hippo dentures began to rot. While his porcelain set wasn’t entirely successful, he paired up with a dentist in England and they created a more durable version in 1791 before applying for a patent.

Dentures of Today

The trial and error with dentures of the past helped pave the way for the modern version that offers a much more pleasant experience. Today’s dentures are made from acrylic resin that mimics natural gum tissue. They are available in an array of different shapes and colors for a more attractive, natural appearance.

Dentures can be relined or replaced by your dentist to ensure that they still function well and look great as the years pass by. Thanks to the advances in technology, if you wear dentures today you have probably found that most people you encounter cannot tell the difference from your natural teeth.

From the days of carved stones and seashells supplementing a smile, human ingenuity has upped the ante to create dentures that are more practical, and even life-changing, for someone who is missing most or all their teeth!

About the Practice

At Renaissance Dental, our job is not done until you feel more confident about your smile. From basic care to a complex smile makeover, you’ll benefit from all the skills of our three-dentist team under one roof. We will help you get maximum value from your dental insurance so you can make the improvements you want to your oral health. If you are interested in a new set of dentures or your first set, we offer full dentures and partials. To schedule a consultation, visit our website or call (817) 289-5200.