In the past, “false” teeth were usually not false at all but were rather real teeth extracted from animals or humans. The earliest record of dentures is from around the 7th century BC when the Etruscans created dentures from human or animal teeth. It ended with their civilization but re-emerged in the 1700s when denture making became popular. During that time, sugar was in demand and available all over Europe. Tooth decay was very common and tooth-saving treatments like root canals were not yet discovered. This meant that many people were missing teeth, and by the time someone reaches 50 years old, they only have a few of their own teeth left. The demand for false teeth or dentures rapidly increased.
So, what were the first pair of dentures made from and who used them? And how long have dentures been around?
Dentures in the Ancient World
The latest technology gave way to comfortable and user-friendly dentures. However, this was not always the case. The original dentures were ill-fitting, uncomfortable, and insubstantial. As dental professionals tried to improve dentures, they tried various materials and techniques.
Now, the denture makers help to restore people’s smiles and confidence. But what did humans do before modern dental practices?
They also used dentures. Here’s a quick glimpse into history, where the use of dentures can be traced back to the Egyptians.
- Egyptians fashioned dentures using human teeth and gold wires
- Egyptians – 1500 BC
Egyptians collected human teeth and fused them together using gold wires. These replacement teeth offer alternatives for people who have experienced tooth loss.
- Italians – 700 BC
Italians also used this technique, but they used both animal and human teeth
- Mexicans wore the teeth of wolves
- Mexicans
Ancient Mexican tribes used to collect animal teeth — especially wolf teeth — to use as dentures. However, they didn’t use wires but instead inserted the animal teeth directly into a person’s empty sockets.
- Mayans
Mayans used bones, stones, and even seashells as replacements for their broken teeth. They fused these raw materials into their jawbones and served as permanent solutions.
- Japanese
They were known to be the first ones to create and use wooden dentures. Nakaoka Tei, a priestess from the Kii province, was known to have worn similar dentures. The Japanese people wore wooden dentures up until the nineteenth century.
Dentures in the 1800s – Early Modern Materials
Various materials were in use during the early and mid 19th century. These include:
- Waterloo Teeth
The best quality dentures at this time were actual human teeth. They came from the robbed graves, peasants selling their own teeth, and even the dentists’ own collection. These sources provided low-quality teeth. Their substandard quality meant that the dentures were only for cosmetic purposes and have to be removed when eating.
In 1815, 50,000 men died at the battle of Waterloo. This tragedy, however, came with an unexpected advantage — it improved the quality of the supplies of human teeth. The soldiers who joined the battle were healthy and young, so their teeth were perfect for denture making. Waterloo teeth soon became the trend in Britain and were typically worn as trophies even when their original owners were not known. This method continued into the late 1860s. It was the American Civil War that became a source of the later versions of “Waterloo” teeth.
- Vulcanite
Fortunately, such horrible methods lessened after 1843 when Charles Goodyear learned how to make flexible rubber. Charle’s brother, Nelson called the new material vulcanite and had it patented in 1851. They soon found out that Vulcanite was a more comfortable base for dentures. Since other versions of dentures were more costly, the market for vulcanite dentures prospered. Finally, the middle class was able to buy and wear dentures along with the wealthy folks.
- Ivory dentures
Ivory was one of the original materials used to create dentures. It came from animals like elephants, walruses, or hippos. Ivory dentures tended to decay and looked artificial. Ivory was still used for denture bases, even after top-quality human teeth became more available by the end of the 18th century.
- Porcelain Teeth
It was during the 1700s when porcelain dentures were invented in France. Although, their tendency to break and grate against each other made them unpopular options. During the 1800s, after various improvements in texture and strengths, porcelain teeth became a popular choice for bridges and dentures, eventually replacing ivory, bone, and human teeth.
Historical Figures Who Wore False Teeth
Until recently, only the elite could afford to buy and wear false teeth. Let’s talk about the famous, wealthy people whose dental history might interest you:
- The Queen of England – Queen Elizabeth
In the era before common cavity prevention methods existed, rotten teeth were extracted right and left. There were a few attempts to replace them with substitute teeth but they were often unsuccessful.
During her forty-four-year reign from 1558 to 1603, ivory dentures had not yet been created. The only solution available to the queen was stuffing pieces of cloth into the gaps in her teeth when attending big events.
- George Washington
Contrary to popular legend, George Washington didn’t actually wear wooden dentures. Now, what were George Washington’s dentures really made of? He commissioned various dentists to make dentures out of the finest materials available. When he turned 20, he began to suffer from tooth decay and toothaches constantly over the years.
Modern Dentures
While the 18th century was plagued with civil unrest in various countries, another type of war was being waged — this time, on dental health. In the 1700s, sugar became more available, and the increase in sugar consumption resulted in widespread tooth decay.
However, this turn of events also brought about the fundamentals of modern dentistry.
In 1726, Pierre Fauchard, a French physician known as the father of modern dentistry, published a book called “The Surgeon Dentist; Or, Treatise on the Teeth” containing dental practices that are still followed today.
Porcelain dentures were first made in 1774 by a British physician named Alexis Duchateau. These porcelain dentures were highly expensive and only the rich could afford them.
In the 1800s, Claudius Ash made dentures from vulcanite and rubber. He founded his own company Ash & Sons, which eventually became the top manufacturer of vulcanite dentures. These dentures remained popular until the 20th century when acrylic dentures became a better choice.
The year 1952 turned out to be a revolutionary year for dentistry. A physician from Sweden discovered that removing a titanium cylinder from a rabbit’s leg proved difficult since it had fused with the bone. A few years later, the method of creating dental implants with titanium was born. It offered a permanent dental solution and eliminated the need for removable dentures.
The 20th century brought cutting-edge technology and better raw materials for dentures. Acrylic and other moldable plastic materials are commonly used for bridge partials and false teeth. Plastic materials are easy to find and manipulate, which makes dentures more affordable. The fit and suction of dentures have also greatly improved. Modern-day dentures are more comfortable, much easier to chew with, and more durable.
Fast forward to today, the future of dentures continues to become even more fascinating and exciting as new methods and techniques are being discovered. We can only look forward to more comfortable and more durable dentures. It won’t be long before new kinds of dentures will be discovered which will change the dental industry dramatically. If you still want more information, check out the illustrated history of false teeth online.
However, if you need partial or precision dentures, turn to Smiles Denture Care Centre. We provide excellent dentures and services. Book an appointment with us by calling 519-457-2800 or emailing us at harry@smilesdenturecarecentre.com.
