Countless people have turned to cosmetic dentistry to enhance their smiles to boost their confidence. Your dentist can address everything from mending or masking chips and cracks to removing years’ worth of stubborn stains with one or several different procedures.
Today, these minimally invasive services are considered safe and comfortable as long as a qualified professional administers them, but that hasn’t always been the case. Continue reading to learn more about the thrilling history of cosmetic dentistry so you can appreciate your recently upgraded grin that much more!
Ancient Attempts
Humans have struggled with appropriate methods to improve the look of their smiles for thousands of years. Archeologists have discovered evidence of attempts at replacing teeth from various cultures around the globe. For instance, around 700 B.C., ancient Etruscans in what is now Italy made dentures of ivory and bones taken from animals or deceased people to replace missing teeth. However, the mouth tends to reject foreign materials, so it’s believed these first attempts may have been intended to boost appearances more than to restore functionality.
The Egyptians also enhanced their appearances by making dental crowns and bridges from precious materials like gold, seashells, and gemstones. They may even have removed stains from their teeth with a mixture of pumice stone and vinegar that could scrub away discoloration.
Modern Materials
During Medieval times, basic dental care was part of your barber’s job. They could file and whiten people’s chompers with a coat of acid, but their techniques often resulted in cavities or damaged enamel that worsened patients’ oral conditions in the long run. More people needed replacement teeth as a result.
Eventually, in the 1700s, new materials were developed that were more biocompatible, like porcelain for dentures. These grew in popularity until 1820 when Samuel Stockton, a goldsmith, mounted a complete set of dentures onto gold plates. This functional prosthetic was successful but costly. Fortunately, in the 1850s, a form of hardened rubber called Vulcanite was developed and could house artificial teeth.
Contemporary Cosmetics
Ongoing developments in materials and technology led to new inventions, like porcelain veneers in the 1930s to perfect a movie star’s smile. In the 1980s, resin cement was invented, allowing dentists to discreetly restore grins with tooth-colored materials rather than the amalgam metals they had been using. In 1989, Drs. Haywood and Heymann are credited with inventing modern teeth whitening with their nightguard vital bleaching technique. Despite these many progressive leaps, it wasn’t until the 1990s that the term “cosmetic dentistry” was first used in the 1990s in reference to materials and techniques intended to improve the appearance of teeth.
Today, your dentist can provide several safe services to enhance your aesthetics without harming your smile!
Meet the Author
Dr. Charles Parker has 40+ years of experience helping people increase their daily quality of life by improving their oral health. He earned his DDS from the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio and is a valued member of multiple professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. He combines a caring approach with state-of-the-art equipment to deliver comfortable treatments tailored to your unique needs, including cosmetics. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request an appointment on the website or call (903) 935-6351.