You and your ancestors may be more alike than you think. While you both are living different lives, the want for a gorgeous smile may be a shared desire. You have modern cosmetic dentistry to get your aesthetic grin, but what options did those in the past have? Well, they had their own form of these treatments, albeit they weren’t as reliable as they are now. Here’s how far these services have come throughout the centuries.
Ancient Methods to Get an Aesthetic Smile
There’s been evidence of people wanting to make their teeth look great dating as far back as 700 B.C. The Etruscans, in particular, would use ivory, bones, and teeth from humans and animals who had passed to make dentures.
The ancient Egyptians also sought to replace their missing teeth, but they used seashells or made bridges and crowns from gold. Not only that, but to get a brighter grin, they would use a vinegar-pumice mixture. As you might imagine, it was harmful to their enamel because of how abrasive it was.
The Romans also wanted whiter smiles, but they had a different approach. They would use urine, and while gross, it would actually work because of the ammonium in it!
Getting Whiter Smiles in Medieval Times
Jumping toward the Middle Ages, dentistry was still in a rocky state. If you were looking to get a haircut and dental care, then your barber and dentist were often the same person. This is why the chairs for both professionals are relatively similar, even in modern times.
Regardless, cosmetic services to get an aesthetic grin weren’t very desirable. To get rid of stains, your enamel would’ve been filed down and coated with acid. This damaged the outer layer of the tooth and even the structure itself.
Modern Cosmetic Dentistry Stats Coming to Fruition
During the 1700s, cosmetic dentistry started to become its modern version. Dentures aren’t technically under this umbrella, but porcelain was used for the teeth as this material can be matched to look natural. Acrylic was used as the base beginning in the 1900s, helping this restoration be customized per patient.
Not only that, but veneers were first invented in the 1930s and became a long-lasting solution to a wide range of flaws in the 1980s. Teeth whitening also got the upgrade it needed, as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide was used to get rid of stains without being gross!
In the end, cosmetic dentistry is much different from what it was. The good news is that these past methods have long since been abandoned, so you can feel confident you are getting reliable treatments toward an aesthetic smile.
About the Author
Dr. Mahesh Sadhnani earned his dental degree from Boston University’s Henry M. Goldman School of Dental Medicine. He has since taken advanced training, helping him offer a wide range of treatments to the West Roxbury community. Dr. Sadhnani is here to get you the gorgeous grin you dream of with reliable cosmetic dental treatments.
By customizing a plan to your unique case, you can feel your best while getting the results you dream of. If you want to take the next step toward fixing up flaws on your teeth, schedule an appointment or call our office at (617) 325-4633.
5230 Washington St. Ste 1