History of Dental Bridges and Dentures
The desire to have a healthier, more beautiful smile seems innate in human beings. In fact, oral hygiene and dental care go back thousands of years. It shouldn’t be a surprise since our teeth are essential for our survival. That’s why full and partial dentures to replace missing teeth and dental bridges have been found in human civilizations for centuries.
Dr. Jean E. Barthman and the team at her Redwood City, CA cosmetic and restorative dentistry office would like to take a moment to look at the history of dentures and bridges. Their origins and evolution are more interesting than you may think.
The Ancient World: Ivory False Teeth
If you want to find the first sets of false teeth, the earliest recorded dentures date back to 700BC. In central Italy, the Etruscans used ivory as a base for these ancient sets of false teeth. The ivory base was generally crafted from the teeth and tusks of hippos, elephants, and walruses. The teeth on the false teeth were not carved from ivory but were actually animal and human teeth mounted onto the ivory base.
In addition, the Etruscans used gold and the materials to create early dental crowns and restorations, which would be the first step in crafting the dental bridges of the future.
The 16th Century: Wooden False Teeth
Ivory continued to be a popular material for denture bases for a thousand years. The first wooden teeth would emerge in Japan during the 1500s. Impressions for these wooden teeth were taken using beeswax. The wooden denture would be adorned with ivory, human teeth, and animal teeth.
While we’re talking about wooden teeth, we should take a moment to dispel a myth: George Washington never had wooden false teeth. While America’s first president did have several sets of false teeth during his life, they all had ivory bases rather than wood.
The 18th and 19th Century: Porcelain False Teeth
Porcelain first appeared during the 3rd century AD in China. The material would eventually be used in dental work during the 1700s in France. It was fragile, but further refinements of porcelain in the 1800s would make it more durable and viable for use in dental work.
The Mid-to-Late 1800s: Rubber for Dentures and Jacket Crowns
In the 1800s we started to move away from ivory as a base for dentures. Vulcanized rubber could be used instead. The rubber could also be dyed to better match the pink hues of the gumline.
A major step forward in the creation of the dental bridge arose when the jacket crown was invented. This porcelain dental crown could slip over a prepped tooth and function as a restoration. Place a false tooth between two jacket crowns and you have a simple bridge.
The 20th Century: Modern Materials
The 20th century saw the birth of many modern materials that would enhance the dental care capabilities of health professionals. Plastics were far more malleable and affordable for dental work. Acrylic resins helped improve the aesthetics of various kinds of restorations, as would porcelain crowns that no longer required a metal base. Thanks to zirconia, even greater strength and durability was possible for restorations and dentures.
The Mid-to-Late 1900s: Computers and the Digital Age
Finally, as we consider the major innovations during the 20th century, we have to mention the important strides forward thanks to computers and digital technology. Digital x-rays and scanning techniques allowed for a more accurate understanding of the anatomy of a patient’s mouth. CAD/CAM allowed dentists to design and customize dentures, bridges, and other restorations in three dimensions, ensuring optimal comfort and fit for years to come.
Learn More About Restorative Dentistry Treatments
For more information about dentures and dental bridges, be sure to contact an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist. Dr. Barthman is here to help. You can reach our office by phone at (650) 367-4967.