The Modern Smile: How Cosmetic Dentistry Has Evolved Over the Years

Cosmetic dentistry has become a staple of the modern dental field, offering advanced treatments to totally transform smiles. But while this high-tech practice might seem like a modern invention, that couldn’t be further from the truth! Since the earliest civilizations, people have been fascinated by beauty, and teeth are no exception. If you’re curious about how cosmetic dentistry began, and how it evolved, continue reading.

Ancient Cosmetic Dentistry

Believe it or not, cosmetic enhancements have roots that go back thousands of years. Ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Etruscans, and Mayans were some of the earliest pioneers in this field.

• The Egyptians – As early as 2000 BC, Egyptians were known to create gold dental crowns and bridges. They also used shells and precious stones to replace missing teeth.
• The Etruscans – These people lived in what is now Italy around 700 BC. They crafted dentures out of ivory and bone, using gold bands to hold these early prosthetics in place. To them, cosmetic dentistry wasn’t just a procedure, it was art!
• The Mayans – In Mesoamerica, Mayans had a unique approach to dental aesthetics. They filed their teeth into specific shapes and inlaid them with jade and turquoise. This is thought to have been done for social status or ceremonial purposes.

Cosmetic Dentistry in the Middle Ages and Renaissance

After the fall of the Roman Empire, advancements in cosmetic dentistry slowed. During the Middle Ages, dental care was often crude, with barbers and blacksmiths doubling as “dentists.” However, the Renaissance brought a renewed interest in many artistic pursuits including sculpture, painting, and even the dental field!

This period saw a revival of dental practices, including the use of gold and silver wire to repair loose teeth. It was also in this era that the first recorded dental textbook, which included cosmetic treatments, was published!

The Porcelain Veneers Breakthrough

The 18th and 19th centuries saw the biggest boom of cosmetic dentistry since its conception, laying the groundwork for the modern techniques of today!

• Porcelain Dentures – In the late 1700s, French dentist Alexis Duchâteau developed the first porcelain dentures. While fragile, they opened the door to further advancements in beautiful prosthetics.
• Porcelain Crowns – Dr. Charles Land, a Canadian dentist who did most of his work in the US, created the first porcelain crowns in 1903. This was known as a “jacket crown” and was far more aesthetic than anything preceding it.
• Vulcanized Rubber – The invention of vulcanized rubber in the 19th century revolutionized dentures. This material provided a more comfortable and affordable way to make cosmetic dental work accessible to more people.

With new materials, techniques, and the possibility of regenerating teeth on the horizon, the future of cosmetic dentistry looks bright! But no matter how advanced the practice gets, it’s important to remember and respect the efforts that came before to bring beautiful smiles to everyone!

About the Practice

Dr. Daniel J. Berquist and Dr. Joseph Ornelas are our incredible smile experts at Region Dental. For over a decade, they’ve been helping their patients find solutions for better oral health and more aesthetic teeth. If you’re ready for a cosmetic transformation, call (219) 362-8980 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation or visit our website to discover a full menu of other services we provide.