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The desire for an attractive smile is hardly a modern problem only people of today face. Your ancestors likely wanted the same thing, but they didn’t have the same cosmetic dentistry your dentist offers. Instead, they had their own methods, which weren’t always the best. Here’s how their ideas paved the way to the safe, effective treatments that benefit you.
Ancient Ways to Get an Attractive Smile
The Etruscans around 700 B.C. would replace their missing teeth with dentures made from bones, ivory, or human or animal teeth. Ancient Egyptians opted for seashells or used gold to make crowns or bridges. This culture would even scrub their teeth with a mix of vinegar and pumice. However, this concoction was abrasive and harmed enamel greatly.
The Romans even had their own methods for dental stains, which included using urine! While gross, it actually worked because of the ammonium.
Medieval Methods for a Brighter Grin
The Middle Ages were a rocky period for dentistry because your dentist and barber were the same person. This could be why their chairs for these professionals today are similar! Though cosmetic treatments didn’t reach their modern standard just yet. Discoloration would be handled by coating the tooth with acid and filing it down. As you might imagine, this damaged the outer layer and sometimes the entire structure.
Modern Dentistry to the Rescue
The 1700s were when cosmetic dentistry began to look like what it is today. Dentures started to be made from porcelain, and acrylic or resin was used as the base. That way, this prosthetic could be customized for each patient and last for several years. In fact, these materials are still used now!
Veneers found their beginning in the 1930s. However, they still wouldn’t become a long-lasting solution to dental flaws until the 1980s. A much-needed upgrade was given to teeth whitening. Carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide would be used; that way, stains can be broken down without being gross.
In the end, while people in the past had different ways to get a gorgeous grin, their ideas helped jump-start what cosmetic dentistry became today. That way, you can get rid of imperfections that bother you and correct the appearance of your teeth with safe, effective treatments.
About the Author
Dr. Francisca Sanchez earned her dental degree from the Columbia School of Dental Medicine. She is dedicated to helping patients in New York transform their smiles with cosmetic dentistry. By customizing a plan for you, you can trust you get the goals you have in mind, whether that’s correcting stains, chips, or misalignment. If you have any questions, schedule an appointment or call her office at 646-669-7407.