Many people have a negative notion of dentures because of the appearance and function that many of us experienced watching our grandparents struggle with them.
If you are in St. Paul, MN and think dentures might be the tooth replacement option for you, you can count on a great result from Dr. Terry O’Neill at Highgrove Dental Care.
Dentures have come a long way.
Early Dentures 700 BC
Dentures first made their appearance on the smile scene in about 700 BC when, in Italy, artisans created dentures out of human or animal teeth. This remained the popular choice well into the 1800s, though they deteriorated quickly, especially with rough diets. In the mid-1800s, sugar became much more available, resulting in more tooth decay and tooth loss.
Ivory and Bone Dentures in the 1800s
In the 1800s, dentures made of ivory or bone. Popular ivory choices were from walrus, elephants, and hippos. Of course, this method of denture creation was never sustainable and limited to the wealthy.
Contrary to popular mythology, George Washington’s dentures were not made of wood but ivory. Ivory is prone to staining, so the color may have looked more like wood after regular tea consumption.
Advanced Modern Dentures
Today’s dentures are made of acrylic and plastics. The modern denture-creation procedures have advanced as well. If you can imagine how heavy dentures made of ivory would be, it is not too hard to imagine that today’s dentures are far more comfortable, lightweight, and easier to keep in the mouth.
In recent decades, denture teeth and their appearance have improved dramatically. Dr. O’Neill can personalize them with shading and even small imperfections for a more natural result.
Contact our St. Paul, MN dental office to learn more about dentures and how they can give you your smile back.