Today, an estimated one in five people around the world wear dentures– but how did these versatile, beautiful prosthetics come to be so popular? While they may seem like a more modern invention, the truth is that durable, lifelike dentures have been around for centuries. Here’s a closer look at their history, and how they became the reliable restorations you know and love today!
The Early Years
The origins of tooth replacement can be traced back to the Ganjoyji Temple in Kii Province, Japan, where a full set of hand carved, wooden dentures was discovered. This prosthesis had extremely detailed, accurate “teeth” and was even designed to secure in place with natural suction, just like today’s dentures still do!
Other cultures also made their own early versions of dentures, mostly using human and animal teeth or ivory, set in a gold base. Not surprisingly, even back then this priced most people out of the restorations, and they were typically only worn by the affluent.
The Middle Ages
During the 18th and 19th centuries, dentures were becoming more common and affordable for people in the middle and lower economic brackets. By this time, dentists were shying away from using animal teeth, with the exception of hippopotamus teeth which could be carved down to create restorations that resembled human teeth in both shape and size. Some prosthetics were also made with ivory; however, it was easily stained. Thus, human teeth were the best option at the time, and dentists began taking them from the mouths of fallen soldiers. Famously, many teeth were extracted from men who died during the Battle of Waterloo in 1815, giving dentures at the time the eerie nickname “Waterloo Teeth.”
By 1774, a man by the name of Alexis Duchateau had developed the world’s first porcelain dentures, and by 1850 a hard rubber known as vulcanite from the Goodyear company was being used for denture bases, driving down the cost even more.
The Future and Beyond
Following their modernization, dentures stayed mostly the same for decades. However, by the 1981 a new prosthesis had entered the oral health world: dental implants. Designed by a Swedish researcher named Per-Ingvar Branemark, it wasn’t long before what began as single-tooth replacements were being made to support full and partial dentures that stayed in place with titanium posts for a more realistic appearance, and a permanent, secure hold.
Today, traditional dentures still attach with natural suction, but unlike their predecessors they are typically made with either acrylic or porcelain teeth on an acrylic base. Implant dentures typically use acrylic and porcelain for a beautiful, natural-looking smile that stays in place so you can enjoy all the convenience and chewing capabilities of real teeth in one prosthetic!
Remember, while dentures may seem like a thoroughly modern way to restore your smile, the truth is, these restorations have quite a lengthy and reliable history! If you’re ready to replace lost teeth with these time-trusted prosthetics, talk to your dentist today about the reliable convenience of durable dentures!
About Dr. Morton
Dr. Roger Morton earned his undergraduate degree at Southern Methodist University and Eastfield College. He then attended the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio, where he earned his dental doctorate. Today, he stays current on all things oral health by taking continuing education courses on a variety of topics including endodontics, dental implants, and durable, lifelike dentures. To schedule an appointment to restore your own smile with these reliable prosthetics, schedule a consultation for dentures at Wylie Family Dentistry by visiting our website or calling 972-442-5599.