Dentures are among the most tried-and-true of all dental restorations, having assisted countless generations of patients with rebuilding their smiles. But they’ve come a long way from their rudimentary origins, evolving into sophisticated prosthetics that aren’t only capable of restoring smiles but also confidence and quality of life. Continue reading below to learn a little more about dentures and how they’ve evolved over the years.
The First Dentures
Dentures trace their roots back to around 700 BC in Italy, where the Etruscans used human and animal teeth bound together with gold wires to replicate their lost pearly whites. Around the same time in China, carved bamboo pegs were used to replace missing teeth. Likewise, Ancient Mayans replaced missing teeth with carved stones, bits of bone, or even seashells. Interestingly enough, the earliest surviving full set of dentures that’s been discovered by researchers was made of wood and dates back to the 16th century.
The Denture Revolution
These wooden dentures, though uncomfortable and often heavy, were still arguably the best option around and used up until the 19th century, before different materials and new techniques were added into the mix. For example, George Washington wore ivory dentures, but around that time, porcelain was also often used as well as a form of hardened rubber called vulcanite. This offered an affordable solution that was widely utilized until acrylic resin became the norm later in the 20th century.
Modern Dentures
Today, dentures have reached an awesome level of sophistication that our ancestors probably weren’t capable of imagining. Modern dentures are crafted using advanced materials like acrylic, porcelain, and plastic and are custom-made to fit each patient’s unique oral anatomy, often with the help of precise dental instruments and innovative technology. This is what facilitates a secure and comfortable fit, and since the teeth themselves are meticulously designed to mimic natural teeth in color and function, they look completely lifelike!
Dental implants can also be used in conjunction with dentures; by placing biocompatible implant posts made from titanium directly into the patient’s jaw, this revolutionary approach offers even more unique benefits than traditional dentures. As technology continues to advance, we can only imagine what the future holds for dentures and other types of dental restorations. However, one thing is certain; the smiles and lives of countless individuals will be enhanced along the way!
About the Practice
The talented team at J.B. Dental has proudly served families in the Westminster, CO area for several years under the leadership of Dr. Joanne Bancroft. Her practice is thrilled to offer a wide range of services, including tooth restoration options such as dentures for patients with extensive tooth loss. If you have any questions about the blog or would like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for further information. Telephone: (720) 410-5460.