Wanting to fix up your smile is something that has spanned throughout history. People have always found ways to get a gorgeous grin, but past methods weren’t always the best for their oral health. You may even end up appreciating the cosmetic treatments offered in the modern age. Here is a glimpse of how these services changed over time.
Seashells and Real Teeth?
Evidence of cultures trying to enhance their teeth dates as far back as 700 B.C. The Etruscans seemed to be the first, as they made a version of dentures. They used bones and ivory, sometimes taking the teeth from animals and humans who had passed.
In these ancient times, the Egyptians also found ways to replace their missing teeth. Instead, they hammered seashells directly into their gums or used gold to make crowns and bridges. Stains in their former pearly whites even bothered them as much as they do in modern times! They would make a “toothpaste” made of vinegar and pumice to remove discoloration.
The Romans back then even had their special way of whitening a smile, which was urine, and it actually worked! The ammonium in it is effective at removing dental stains.
A Barber’s Job Wasn’t Only Hair?
Jumping toward the Middle Ages, a shocking fact to hear is that the jobs of a barber and dentist were typically done by the same person. You may imagine that their methods for sprucing up a smile weren’t the best, and you’d be right! To remove discoloration, they would file down your teeth and coat them with acid, leading to destroyed enamel and the tooth itself.
The Start of Modern Cosmetic Treatments
It wasn’t until the 1700s that enhancing your smile started to see some much-needed improvement. Starting with dentures, the materials used were changed. Instead of real teeth from those who passed, they used porcelain. In the 1900s, dentists started to attach it to plastic or acrylic, which was molded to your mouth for a custom fit. In fact, these materials are still used today!
Several decades later, in the 1930s, veneers came to be. While they started off as temporary solutions that only movie stars could get, they became more permanent and reliable around the 1980s. Toward the end of this decade in 1989, teeth whitening received a much-desirable upgrade. Carbamide peroxide replaced urine as a safer and less gross way to brighten a grin.
Cosmetic dentistry has come a long way. Today, these treatments are as effective as they have ever been while ensuring that your oral health stays pristine. You can rest assured that the days of using seashells to address missing teeth are long gone.
About the Practice
At Gale Ranch Family Dental, you benefit from a skilled team of dentists who want the best for you and your grin. We understand how flaws in your teeth can make you feel self-conscious. With a wide variety of cosmetic treatments and state-of-the-art equipment, you can get results you can’t wait to show off. If you want to get some pearly whites, schedule an appointment or call us at (925) 648-8881.