In today’s world, it’s no surprise that cosmetic dentistry in Rochester is such so popular among individuals both young and old. From teeth whitening and porcelain veneers to Invisalign and dental bonding, there are multiple ways in which you can transform the look of your smile and gain greater confidence as a result. But how long have cosmetic-based treatments been around? What methods were used in ancient times to improve appearance? A dentist in Rochester explains the evolution of this fairly new method of dentistry and why you’ll be glad the solutions from centuries ago are no longer used today.
Ancient Solutions to Improving Smiles
You can be certain that individuals living in 700 B.C. did not have the most Hollywoodesque smiles. In fact, it is believed that the Etruscans used ivory and bone to create dentures, and teeth were taken from other humans and animals.
Egyptians used gold to create dental crowns and bridges and often relied on seashells to replace missing teeth. The process for placement meant hammering the material into the gums, a method that no doubt was significantly more painful that the dental implant procedure used today. The Egyptians also used pumice stone and vinegar to create a paste that was used to remove stains from teeth.
If this particular mixture doesn’t sound appealing, it was far better than the solution created by Ancient Romans. Using their own urine, they believed the ammonia helped to break apart stains and whiten teeth.
Fixing Teeth in the Middle Ages
If you lived between the 5th and 15th centuries, known as the Middle Ages or Medieval Times in Europe, you might have received teeth whitening treatment from your local barber. Falling under their realm of job duties during this time, the coating used often destroyed tooth enamel, effectively damaging the tooth. It is also during the Middle Ages that Europeans embraced ancient practices, using bone or ivory to create dentures as well as human teeth, which the body typically rejected more times than not.
Improvements Made During the Age of Enlightenment
During the 1700s, advancements in dentistry saw the beginning of porcelain and its use in creating dentures; however, by the 1800s, dentists were beginning to incorporate metal into their cosmetic dentistry services. Unfortunately, their attempts to replace missing teeth with this material proved unsuccessful. With porcelain continuing to be a reliable option for dentists, they began creating molds using plaster, and porcelain teeth to improve the appearance of individuals with incomplete smiles.
Moving into the Modern Age of Cosmetic Dentistry
By the time dentistry reached the 1900s, materials changed and set the foundation for what many dentists still use today. Porcelain crowns, while reliable, were not economical, causing dentists to look for alternative materials. Fortunately, acrylic and plastic became the normalcy, both of which are currently used to create dental prosthetics in labs and offices throughout the United States.
Creating Dazzling Smiles Today
When the 20th century arrived, cosmetic dentistry pushed full steam ahead, helping patients see new and improved smiles like never before. Many changes occurred, such as:
- Teeth Whitening: What started as hydrogen peroxide and a bleaching light turned into the use of carbamide peroxide in 1989, which helped to whiten teeth in a dentist’s office as well as at home. Laser dentistry also became a more prominent solution for teeth whitening in 1996 when the FDA approved it as being safe and reliable at blasting away stains.
- Composite Fillings and Dental Bonding: By the 1980s, permanent dental bonding and tooth-colored fillings gave patients an alternative to traditional amalgam, helping to take the spotlight off dental work.
- Veneers: Invented in the 1930s, these customized restorations were only available for Hollywood’s elite; however, over time, they became more regularly used on regular individuals. By the 1980s, dentists discovered how to effectively bond these custom creations to the surface of teeth, no longer relying on dental adhesive to hold them in place.
- Dental Implants: Instead of following suit with the seashells used by those living in ancient times, dentists discovered the first screw implant in 1937. By the 1950s, it was found that titanium fused well with bone in a process known as osseointegration. In the 1980s, dental implants became a new and exciting procedure for people with missing teeth.
- Orthodontics: While traditional metal braces were once the only way to straighten teeth, advancements have been made proving clear aligner systems are also effective and more aesthetically pleasing at realigning bites and improving smiles.
From seashells as dental implants and urine as a tooth whitening solution to porcelain dental crowns and titanium screws to replace missing teeth, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way. There’s no telling how it will change in the years to come. Only time will tell.
About the Practice
If you’re looking for a way to transform your smile, you’ve come to the right place. At Gentling Dental, our team of professionals is trained and equipped to provide a host of available cosmetic services, each designed to remove stains, cracks, gaps, or chips and provide outstanding results that can last a lifetime. With advanced technology used in a state-of-the-art facility, you will achieve the show-stopping smile you deserve. If you’re interested in learning more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments, visit our website or call (507) 288-7379.
The post How Has Cosmetic Dentistry Changed Over the Years? appeared first on Gentling Dental Care Blog.
