Cosmetic dentistry refers to a variety of treatments that focus solely on the aesthetics of someone’s smile. It can be used to fix chips, cracks, misshapen teeth, gaps, discoloration, and more. Though treatments like porcelain veneers and teeth whitening are popular ways of fixing your smile, those and other cosmetic dental treatments have changed quite a bit over the year. Keep reading to learn about the history of cosmetic dentistry as well as the ways it’s evolved over the years.
Ancient Cosmetic Dentistry
The Etruscan people of ancient Italy made dentures out of ivory, animal teeth, and the teeth of deceased humans in 700 B.C. Additionally, ancient Egyptians used seashells to replace missing teeth, and also created dental bridges and crowns made of gold. Believe it or not, ancient Romans whitened their teeth with urine. Since it contains ammonia, the urine worked as a bleaching agent. Fortunately, we no longer have to use unsavory methods like that to achieve brighter beams.
Medieval Times
Barbers were also the ones who did dental work in the Middle Ages. To make teeth appear whiter, they would file them down and then use a special coating. Though this may have temporarily improved the looks of their smiles, it also destroyed the patient’s enamel as well as the structure of the tooth over time. In addition, people in Europe continued using ivory and bone to craft dentures. Unfortunately, these restorations weren’t very comfortable.
The Age of Enlightenment
The 1700s were an important time for cosmetic dental advancements. This marked the start of dramatic improvements in the field, such as using porcelain to make dentures. Even so, not all advances during this era were good ones. In the 1800s, metal was put into the sockets of missing teeth. Unfortunately, these metals were rejected by the body. Fortunately, the rise in the popularity of porcelain teeth and the fact that dentists were beginning to use plaster molds to improve the fit of dentures made this time an innovative one.
The 20th Century and Modern Cosmetic Dentistry
The cosmetic dental field really started to boom in the 20th century. The materials dentists used for cosmetic treatments began to change at the start of the 1900s. Additionally, since dental-grade porcelain was too expensive for most people, more economical materials like acrylics and plastics were starting to be used to make dentures and dental crowns. Acrylic is still used today to make dentures as well as materials like porcelain, resin, nylon, and metal.
This era is also when people started to put more of an emphasis on teeth that look healthy as well as aesthetically appealing. Treatments like teeth whitening and restorative procedures such as dental crowns and implants helped patients achieve this. In addition, veneers were made in the 1930s so film stars could temporarily improve the looks of their smiles. Veneers later became available to the general public.
Cosmetic dentistry has evolved quite a bit over time. It is now an effective and safe way to improve the look of your smile. So, if you’re unimpressed with your beam, reach out to your dentist to make an appointment and learn what treatment is best for you!
About the Practice
Cambria Smiles serves patients who live in Cambria as well as the surrounding communities. They administer treatments to keep your pearly whites in good condition as well as cosmetic procedures that can give you a grin you love. With their help, you’ll soon be sporting a smile you can’t wait to show off! Call Cambria Smiles at (805) 927-4811 or visit their website if you want more information on their services or to set up an appointment.