Back to School: A Quick History of Cosmetic Dentistry

Cosmetic dentistry isn’t just about looks. While yes, the goal of many procedures is to improve the appearance of your smile, when you restore your teeth, you are doing more than simply making them look better. Often, you are also boosting your self-esteem, making it easier to enjoy the foods you love, and maybe even alleviating pain or sensitivity.

Cosmetic dentistry itself has only been around since the 1980s, following the invention of the resin cement used in many now-common procedures. But throughout time, however, there have been many other attempts to improve the appearance of the smile, often using some unconventional means. Here’s a brief history of how modern cosmetic dentistry came to be.

Ancient Times

Cosmetic dentistry in some form has been around since ancient times. As early as 700 BC, the Etruscans were using ivory, bone, and human and animal teeth to fashion their own dentures, while Egyptians fashioned crowns from gold and seashells, and to whiten their teeth, they created a paste of pumice stone and vinegar. If you think that sounds terrible, the Ancient Romans had it worse. They used urine as both a tooth whitener and a mouthwash!

Medieval Techniques

During medieval times, dentistry was often done by a barber. Naturally, this didn’t always go well, and many of them caused more harm than good to their customers’ smiles. These medieval “dentists” also attempted to create dentures with ivory or human and animal teeth.

1700s – 1800s

During this period, dentists began using porcelain to create dentures. Eventually this led to the use of plaster molds to help create a better fit. They also began experimenting with metal restorations in the sockets of missing teeth, however, these were eventually rejected by the body, so the practice stopped.

20^th Century

In the 20^th century, using porcelain for dentures fell out of vogue as patients could no longer afford it. The modern practice of using acrylic began and is still used to make them today.

Present Day

The modern era is responsible for many of the safe, effective cosmetic dentistry procedures we’ve come to love. Teeth whitening, veneers, composite fillings, dental implants, and orthodontics are all products of the 1900s. In fact, dental implants have only been available since the 1980s and clear orthodontic aligners debuted in the 1990s!

Cosmetic dentistry has had a long, colorful history, but one that has led us to many of the innovative and helpful treatments we use today. Whether you’re lightening stained teeth, repairing wear or damage, or replacing a missing tooth, this fascinating field has a safe, effective way to help.

To learn more about how cosmetic dentistry can improve your smile and your life, please speak to your dentist about which procedures would work best for you.

About Our Practice

DeMartino Dental Group offers comprehensive dentistry with a personal touch. Whether you need an exam and cleaning, a restoration, or you’re looking to improve your smile with the help of a cosmetic procedure, we welcome you and your family to be a part of ours.

To schedule an appointment for cosmetic dentistry, please visit our website or call us today at 908-859-5260.