A Smile Through Time: How Cosmetic Dentistry Has Evolved

The longing for an attractive smile is something that connects the modern age to ancient times. People across history have sought ways to achieve an aesthetic set of teeth, but past methods weren’t always the most desirable. They often had odd ways to get a grin they were proud of. You might even end up having an appreciation for the cosmetic services offered today! Keep reading to look into the history of how these treatments evolved.

In the Beginning

Filling in gaps from missing teeth dates as far back as 700 B.C. A group of people called the Etruscans made the first dentures out of bone and ivory, even occasionally using real teeth from animals and humans.

They weren’t the only ones, as Ancient Egyptians dealt with tooth loss by hammering in seashells into their gums. This culture would use gold to create dental crowns and bridges. To whiten their teeth, they used a mixture of pumice and vinegar to remove stains.

However, the Ancient Romans had one of the most shocking ways to remove discoloration. Instead of creating a mixture, they relied on what their body naturally made, urine! It turns out that it actually works. The ammonium is surprisingly efficient at breaking up dark particles.

Toward the Medieval Times

In the Middle Ages, the jobs of a barber and a dentist were one and the same. You could get your haircut and oral healthcare from the same person! When people back then would bring up wanting a brighter smile, they would receive a teeth whitening treatment that might make you wince. This process involved filing down the stained tooth and using acid to coat it. You might’ve guessed that it destroyed not only the enamel but the tooth itself.

Ancient methods weren’t entirely given up, though. Medieval Europeans used ivory and bone to make dentures and took teeth from diseased humans. However, this method still proved to be in vain.

Jump Toward the Modern Age

In the 1700s, cosmetic dentistry started to have some drastic improvements. Instead of using real teeth from those who passed for dentures, porcelain became a popular choice. To make the prosthetic fit better, a plaster mold was custom-made for each person. A few centuries later, in the 1900s, plastic and acrylic started to be used, which are still used today.

Veneers also came to be around this time in the 1930s. They were initially temporary and exclusive to movie stars. A more permanent solution was found later in the 1980s, letting them bond more effectively.

Just a few years later, gone were the days of using urine to brighten a smile, as in 1989, carbamide peroxide was discovered. This is a bleaching agent that’s much gentler on your enamel and not as gross!

When looking back toward the start of cosmetic dentistry, it’s easy to see how far it has come. Modern methods that are available to you are safer and comfortable. They are more effective than treatments used before, so you can rest assured that these past methods have long been retired.

About the Author

Dr. Chris Johnson earned his dental degree from the Texas A&M College of Dentistry. He wants you to feel more confident about your smile, so he is proud to offer a wide range of cosmetic treatments. Dr. Johnson uses state-of-the-art technology and modern techniques to give you results that you love. If you want to learn how he can help you fix dental flaws that bother you, schedule an appointment or call (713) 229-8100.