There’s no denying that dentures have changed significantly over the years. Breakthroughs in dentistry and medical science have enabled many to have false teeth that are practically identical to their genuine counterpart. Without looking back, it’s easy to take for granted modern-day dentistry and the capabilities it has in making realistic dentures for millions of people to improve their mental and physical health.
‘Unlike the image of dentures from years ago, the types available now are well crafted, come in a variety of shades to give you a natural appearance, and are fitted to your mouth for complete comfort and discretion. In short, no one will be able to tell you are wearing them’
543 Dental Centre
A Brief History of Dentures
The earliest records of false teeth date back to the 7th century BC when the Etruscan civilisation crafted partial dentures from the teeth of animals or other humans. These were fastened together using gold bands, and it’s rumoured that the Romans copied this method after discovering it centuries later.
In the early 16th Century, the Japanese invented full dentures made from wood. To ensure a comfortable fit, they used softened beeswax which hardened to create a model. The wooden dentures were then carved using this model for reference. Later versions of the dentures used real human teeth, ivory or animal horn.
It wasn’t until 1728 that dentures started to be used in the Western world, with French physician Pierre Fauchard constructing dentures using a metal frame and teeth from animal bones. Porcelain dentures shortly followed in 1770, when Alexis Duchâteau discovered it was a more practical material.
The first president George Washington was known to have problems with his teeth.
He resorted to several sets of false teeth, some of which were held together with gold springs. Interestingly, the set of dentures he wore when he became president was carved from hippopotamus and elephant ivory.
Modern False Teeth
Modern-day dentures are typically made in a dental laboratory, or by a denturist using a combination of tissue-shaded powders and polymethylmethacrylate acrylic (PMMA). Commercially produced dentures are widely available in hundreds of shapes and tooth colours to suit a person’s preference.
The process of fabricating a denture with an initial dental impression is created using a semi-solid cast that is pressed into the gums in the mouth. This helps specify where the dentures will fit with precision and accuracy.
Generally speaking, partial dentures tend to be held in place by the presence of the remaining natural teeth and complete dentures tend to rely on muscular coordination and limited suction to stay in place. Implant technology can also increase stability and prevent bones in the mouth from wearing away.
‘Significant advances in the dental industry have completely changed the dental replacement landscape. Modern false teeth are simpler, more natural-looking with more subtle fittings. We dare say that most of them would be hardly differentiated from natural teeth’
Angel Smile Dental
First Class Dentures
Working alongside our team of experienced CDTs are carefully selected dentists and implant specialists in a growing number of dental practices across the UK.
At your first denture consultation, the steps required for getting new dentures will be explained and on commencement, you will be provided with a personalised treatment plan.
References
- Anon, (n.d.). Best Ways To Replace Your Missing Teeth | Angel Smile. [online] Available at: https://www.angelsmile.co.uk/best-ways-to-replace-your-missing-teeth/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2023].
- Bromwich, K. (2018). Three hundred years of false teeth – in pictures. The Guardian. [online] 5 May. Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/gallery/2018/may/05/three-hundred-years-of-false-teeth-in-pictures.
- Sophie (2022). Modern dentures – an affordable option for missing teeth. [online] 543 Dental Centre. Available at: https://543dentalcentre.co.uk/dentures/modern-dentures-an-affordable-option-for-missing-teeth/ [Accessed 23 Feb. 2023].
- Wikipedia Contributors (2019). Dentures. [online] Wikipedia. Available at: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dentures.