Throughout human history, people have always wanted to look beautiful — and teeth have never been excluded from their efforts! However, cosmetic dentistry has not always been as safe and effective as it is today. Various cultures tried creative and strange methods to meet their standards for a perfect smile. Would you like to learn about some of them? This blog post provides a general overview of the history of cosmetic dentistry.
Ancient Cosmetic Dentistry
Evidence indicates that as far back as 700 BCE, the Etruscans attempted to replace missing teeth with unusual materials, including ivory and bone. They even tried to use teeth from deceased humans and animals.
Ancient Egyptians also sought to enhance their smiles. They made crowns and bridges out of gold and tried to replace lost teeth with seashells hammered into their gums. They used a mixture of pumice and vinegar to remove dental stains.
In Rome, people used urine to whiten their teeth. While it might sound as absurd as it is disgusting, this method was surprisingly effective because ammonia can break up stains.
Medieval Cosmetic Dentistry
During the Middle Ages, barbers performed dentistry. They sometimes filed teeth down and placed an acidic coating on them to make them whiter. Unfortunately, the coating destroyed teeth over time.
Europeans also revived some ancient cosmetic dentistry practices, such as using bone and ivory to make dentures. They even attempted to use teeth from deceased humans to replace lost teeth, but their efforts yielded no success.
The Emergence of Modern Cosmetic Dentistry
During the 1700s and beyond, cosmetic dentistry made huge leaps forward. Porcelain became a prominent material for restorations and tooth replacement, while plastic materials and acrylic also came into widespread usage.
In the 20th century, cosmetic dentistry truly started to become what it is today. Veneers were first invented in the 1930s. In the 1980s, they became widely available due to advancements in techniques used to adhere them to teeth. Additionally, carbamide peroxide started to be used to whiten teeth, which opened the way for a gentler whitening process.
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way! The next time you visit your dentist, you can be grateful that they use methods that are safe, effective, and relatively comfortable.
Meet the Practice
At All Dental, our team of dentists uses advanced technology and methods to help patients achieve their aesthetic goals for their smiles. Veneers, teeth whitening, and digital smile design are among the services we offer. If you would like to learn more about cosmetic dentistry and how it works, we invite you to contact our Westborough office at 508-217-7265.