Dentures have been around for a very long time, and even to this day, they are still considered an excellent solution for patients who have lost all of their teeth. However, some people don’t realize just how much dentures have changed over the years. To help you gain a fuller appreciation for your prosthesis, here’s a closer look at the evolution of dentures.
Early Dentures
The earliest known example of dentures comes from the ancient Etruscans in northern Italy around 700 BC. They consisted of real human or animal teeth connected with gold wires. It’s thought that these dentures were probably used for cosmetic purposes because they were not durable enough to handle the pressures of biting and chewing.
The first complete dentures are attributed to Japan. They were made out of wood, and they were used from the 16th century to the 19th century.
Dentures in the 1800s
In Europe during the 1800s, more and more people over the age of 50 started suffering from extensive tooth loss as a consequence of consuming too much sugar. Some people filled in the empty space in their smiles with teeth taken from the dead on European battlefields. In fact, at one point dentures started to become known as Waterloo teeth due to so many teeth being removed from dead soldiers after the Battle of Waterloo. Other sources of teeth included executed criminals and poor people who sold them for money.
The Rise of Modern Dentures
Dentures that used teeth made out of porcelain existed as early as 1774. However, they weren’t a viable option for most people due to their high cost. The mid-1800s saw the rise of more affordable dentures with bases made out of vulcanite, a type of hardened rubber that could be molded to fit comfortably on the gums.
Dentures Today
Nowadays, dentures typically have bases made out of acrylic resin, which is notable for its ability to blend in with the gum tissue. They also have artificial teeth that are customized to look as natural as possible in the patient’s mouth.
On top of that, while traditional dentures that sit directly on the gums are still available, dentists are also able to offer implant dentures. Attaching dentures to sturdy implant posts can significantly improve their chewing power and stability, allowing patients to handle a wider variety of foods. Additionally, the implant posts stop the dentures from slipping at awkward moments.
Thanks to the advancements made over the years, dentures are more lifelike and comfortable than ever. If you or a loved one are ever faced with extensive tooth loss, dentures are definitely an option worth considering.
About the Practice
At Complete Dental Care in Kent, our dentists strive to provide stress-free, enjoyable dental care for patients of all ages. We can provide multiple solutions for missing teeth, which naturally includes lifelike dentures made out of high-quality materials. If you would like to schedule a consultation with our dental team, visit our website or call us at (253) 854-2714.