Today, dental cosmetics look and feel a lot like natural teeth, and are an indistinguishable part of many patients’ smiles. This is mostly thanks to modern materials and fabrication methods, which begs the question: what did people do before tooth-colored resins and titanium implant posts?
If you’re curious about the answer, keep reading. Some of these old-fashioned methods might surprise you!
Teeth Whitening Wasn’t for The Faint of Heart
If you wanted to whiten your teeth in ancient Rome, you had a rather…interesting option. Human urine was used to break down stains trapped in people’s smiles. What’s perhaps more horrifying about this fact is that this actually kind of worked. Urine happens to contain ammonia, which is an effective dental stain remover. But now that your dentist can use safe and completely hygienic bleaching agents to get the job done, there’s no reason to “do as the Romans did.”
Hollywood and The Art of Disguise
Historians can point back to plenty of examples of early dentures, implants, and whitening methods, but there isn’t really a pre-modern equivalent to porcelain veneers. When Charles Pincus, Hollywood’s favorite dentist, developed the first veneers in 1928, they only lasted long enough to get an actor or actress through a few scenes. Eventually, though, better adhesion methods were developed, and today veneers can last for 15 years or more with proper care!
The Rise of Metal-Free Restorations
Another more recent example is the shift from metal crowns and fillings to tooth-colored restorations. While metals had been the material of choice for centuries, concerns about the presence of mercury in more affordable amalgams eventually rose to a boiling point right around the 70’s.
Rest assured, no long-term negative effects have been proven, and metal crowns and fillings are still considered safe. However, it’s understandable that many patients are uncomfortable with the idea of having mercury in their mouth, and many more prefer the seamless look of acrylics and resins.
Modern Problems Require Modern Solutions
As TV and social media continue to impact culture, many people have found it increasingly more important to have an aesthetically appealing smile. Studies have found that those with attractive teeth are more likely to receive job offers, promotions, and second dates. In a world with modern problems, it’s nice to know that your dentist has modern solutions!
About the Practice
Dr. Clarine Green Hightower and Dr. Natasha Barrow actively pursue continuing education opportunities so they can stay on top of the latest dental trends. Both of these amazing women in dentistry are Invisalign certified, and deeply appreciate cosmetic dentistry’s ability to improve their patients’ lives and confidence. If you’d like to enhance your smile, contact Dr. Hightower and Dr. Barrow’s office at 301-262-2624 to schedule your consultation today.