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Getting cosmetic dental work before 2025 starts is a great idea; treatment would spruce up your holiday smile! With that said, consider learning the history of cosmetic dentistry while you’re at it. Learning how the field has developed would help you appreciate what it is today. As for where to start, your Norton Shores dentist will gladly give you some help. Read on to learn how cosmetic dentistry evolved from its ancient origins to its present form.
The Beginning: Ancient Cosmetics
While cosmetic dentistry may seem pretty recent, it started in ancient times. People began pursuing prettier grins thousands of years ago.
To consider one prominent example, just look at the early Egyptians. They were making dental crowns and bridges from gold around 3,000 BCE or so. At the same time, some members of this group used seashells to replace missing teeth.
Other ancient groups even mimicked the early Egyptians. For instance, the ancient Etruscans made dentures from ivory and animal bones in 700 BCE. The classical Romans who followed used urine as toothpaste, as its ammonia could remove tooth stains.
The Middle: Medieval & Enlightenment Changes
Thankfully, people didn’t stick to seashells and urine for their treatment methods. Society developed more precise and learned methods as it gained better tools and knowledge.
The Middle Ages saw fairly notable cosmetic developments. During that time, medieval barbers tried filing teeth to make their customers’ smiles look whiter. This process had mixed results and destroyed enamel, though, so it soon fell out of practice.
More changes emerged in the 1800s amidst the growth of dental science. Dentists of that time used metal in their tooth replacement work. The approach ultimately didn’t work out, but it prompted insights for later generations; future dentists would use porcelain and plaster molds for restorations.
The End: Today’s Cosmetic Dentistry
What many now view as “true” cosmetic dentistry emerged in the early 20th century. After all, it was the dentists of the 1900s who made breakthroughs that are still implemented today.
Dr. Charles Pincus was one such dentist. In the early-to-mid 1930s, he invented veneers – shells for teeth – to give actors prettier smiles. Though these prototypes often fell off, they allowed for the creation of more secure shells in the 1980s.
Other dentists worth your consideration are Drs. Haywood and Hemann. Around 1989, they discovered chemicals that could safely bleach tooth enamel. This breakthrough led to modern teeth whitening, ensuring patients could brighten their grins by several shades at once.
Knowing the history of cosmetic dentistry, you can grasp how wonderful its current treatments are. Keep hold of that respect as you pursue a prettier smile!
About the Practice
Laketown Family Dental is based in Norton Shores, MI. Led by Drs. Ariel and Eric Heisser, our practice aims to give every patient a truly stellar experience. We pursue that goal by offering preventive, cosmetic, and restorative treatments tailored to your unique mouth and its needs. That way, your time with us will surely lead to thriving teeth and gums! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (231)-737-2273.