Modern dentures are customized to fit the patient’s mouth based on precise measurements and crafted to achieve a beautiful and lifelike appearance using advanced methods and technology. However, people have worn sets of false teeth to address tooth loss for thousands of years. Here’s a quick overview of how dentures have evolved into the gorgeous and functional restorations we know today.
Primitive Dentures Weren’t as Nice as Modern Appliances
The first known set of dentures was used in ancient Egypt, and they consisted of dislodged human or animal teeth held in place with gold wires. The Etruscans and the civilizations of Latin America used similar devices, and a full sets of wood dentures were used in Japan as early as the sixteenth century. While you may have heard that President George Washington wore wooden dentures, the truth is that his appliances were made of ivory.
Primitive dentures such as these were typically used for aesthetic purposes since they were not practical for chewing, and they were prone to developing unpleasant scents due to the lower hygiene standards of their times. Thankfully, prosthetic dental science has come a long way since then.
How Can Modern Dentures Be So Comfortable?
Today’s dentists craft their patients’ dentures using a specialized process designed to achieve a comfortable fit and a lifelike appearance that can restore a person’s chewing ability as well as their confidence. The bases of these appliances are usually made from acrylic that can be shaded to match the natural coloration of the patient’s gum tissue, and the teeth are often made from ceramic materials like porcelain that offer superior strength for chewing while mimicking the luster and texture of natural enamel.
While a patient can expect some temporary soreness when they first receive their dentures, the appliance should feel increasingly comfortable as they get used to wearing it. For those who wish to achieve a sturdier hold than is possible with traditional dentures, securing their appliances with dental implants may be a great way to achieve maximum chewing power and reduce the frequency with which they must be replaced.
Modern dentures have allowed countless patients to enjoy beautiful and functional smiles after extensive tooth loss. Consulting with your oral healthcare provider can help you find the best way to replace your lost teeth.
About the Practice
Smile 312 offers the finest oral health services in Chicago. Led by Dr. Harvey J. Mahler, the staff ensures that each patient enjoys exemplary courtesy and the most excellent customer service possible. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, cosmetic, and emergency dentistry as well as denture services. To learn more about how dentures may be able to help you, contact his office online or dial (312) 263-5262.