Cosmetic Dentistry—How Far Has It Come?

February 5, 2022

Filed under: Uncategorized — islandcoast @ 9:37 pm
smiling doctor of cosmetic dentistry in Naples

Cosmetic dentistry in Naples is a great way to beautify your smile, but it wasn’t always so advanced. Throughout the decades, there have been several unusual methods for revamping a person’s teeth, and some of them weren’t very pretty. Keep reading to learn a quick history of cosmetic dentistry to better understand the benefits we have today!

Ancient Techniques for Fixing a Smile

Back in 700 B.C., some people were known to use ivory and bone for dentures. Human and animal teeth were also used as replacements, but these were strictly taken from the dead. In Ancient Egypt, their version of cosmetic dentistry was in using gold to make dental crowns and bridges. For teeth replacements, they sometimes utilized seashells that were “placed” into their gums. In addition, the Ancient Egyptians would use a toothpaste made from pumice stone and vinegar to remove stains.

The Ancient Romans also had their own toothpaste formula: urine. By utilizing the ammonia within urine, they could remove stains and whiten teeth. According to many historians, however, this was mainly used as a mouthwash. Luckily, we have plenty of better options now!

Medieval Dentistry

During the Middle Ages, barbers were often also dentists, as they were expected to file and whiten their patient’s teeth with a paste containing salt crystals. Unfortunately, this paste usually damaged the enamel and inevitably ruined the teeth. At this time, the art of applying ivory and bone as replacement teeth was rediscovered by the Europeans.

Dentistry in the Age of Enlightenment

In the beginning of the 1700s, porcelain became the new material for cosmetic dentistry. Some old habits didn’t fade, however, as dentists in the 1800s tried replacing missing teeth with metals. They found that the body usually rejected the metals, and so they were forced to find more efficient supplies.

Cosmetic Dentistry Today

Once the 1900s hit, plastics and acrylics were used alongside porcelain materials. This was the era in which cosmetic dentistry truly shifted, as there was more of a focus on creating stunning smiles rather than simply restoring function. Teeth whitening was more advanced due to inventions like laser dentistry in the 1960s (primarily used to treat gum disease) and using carbamide peroxide for bleaching teeth in 1989. Additionally, there were a couple other treatments for lasting makeovers:

  • Dental Veneers: Invented in the 1930s, film stars were temporarily fixed with dental coverings by using adhesives. Then, in the 1980s, dentists discovered a new method to bond porcelain veneers to teeth. Today, veneers are slim, sturdy, and can last 20 years with proper maintenance.
  • Bonding & Fillings: A white tooth filling material was invented in the 1950s, along with an acid etch technique which enhanced adhesion between the fillings and enamel. These materials allowed for a more natural appearance for teeth, causing metal fillings to no longer be necessary.  

Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way since archaic times, and the innovations are more enduring than ever before. If you’re interested in beautifying your smile, call your dentist today! 

About the Author

Dr. Jeffrey Skupny received his Doctorate of Dental Medicine from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. He is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology, and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Dr. Skupny provides top-quality and comfortable dental services to create a beautiful smile. If you want to know more about how far cosmetic dentistry has come, visit his website or contact him at (239) 261-5566.

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