Let’s face it, few people have naturally attractive teeth. Whether from genetics or another issue, people from all walks of life turn to their cosmetic dentist in Edmond to get the smile of their dreams. Although cosmetic dentistry might seem like a fairly modern idea, it actually has an extensive history going back to ancient times. Thankfully, it has evolved quite a bit over the years. Here are some of the most impressive advancements seen throughout the decades.
Cosmetic Dentistry Throughout History
Before the 1980s, dentistry primarily focused on the health and strength of the teeth. It wasn’t until the invention of resin cement that aesthetics also came into practice; however, there are instances in history where people tried to improve their appearance as well.
Etruscans in 700 B.C. used dentures made of ivory or bone to replace missing teeth while the Ancient Egyptians hammered seashells into the gums to treat tooth loss. Besides the methods used to fix lost teeth, there are also a few other ways cosmetic dentistry has transformed:
- Teeth Whitening: The Ancient Romans used their own urine to whiten their teeth. Today, we use a far different technique. In 1989, carbamide peroxide began being used as a whitening agent in at-home products and in-office treatments. Nowadays, whitening systems are more effective than ever thanks to the introduction of laser dentistry in 1996.
- Dental Implants: Many old civilizations have used a variety of materials to replace lost teeth, like stone, bone, and even wooden pegs. Although they didn’t know it at the time, this opened the door to the creation of a dental implant, which is the only solution to recreate the entire tooth structure. In 1937, the first screw dental implant was used, but it wasn’t until the 1980s that the treatment was marketed to the public.
- Dental Veneers: In the Middle Ages, it was believed it was a barber’s job to coat the teeth with a chemical to make them whiter, but it destroyed the enamel. Nowadays, dentists don’t use a coating to improve the look of the teeth. In the 1980s, dentists began bonding porcelain veneers to the teeth. They can correct several issues at once to enhance the overall size, shape, and proportion of the teeth to achieve natural-looking results.
- Orthodontics: If you look back on your childhood, you likely see a few children wearing very visible metal braces which might have even included headgear. Today, braces are less noticeable than ever. In fact, some patients don’t even need brackets or wires. Clear aligners are worn over the teeth to move them into position.
Enhance Your Smile Today
If you’re not in love with the smile you see in the mirror, you can invest in a confident future using the latest innovations in cosmetic dentistry.
About Dr. M. Kent Smith
For over 30 years, Dr. Smith has been creating beautiful smiles. He earned his dental degree at the University of Oklahoma College of Dentistry. He regularly continues his training as he strives for clinical excellence. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation for cosmetic dentistry.