{"id":212,"date":"2021-05-22T23:05:00","date_gmt":"2021-05-22T23:05:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.danajonesdds.com\/blog\/?p=212"},"modified":"2022-09-07T19:52:52","modified_gmt":"2022-09-07T19:52:52","slug":"history-of-cosmetic-dentistry","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.danajonesdds.com\/blog\/history-of-cosmetic-dentistry\/","title":{"rendered":"Discover the Evolution of Cosmetic Dentistry"},"content":{"rendered":"

Few people are born with naturally attractive smiles. Thankfully, you don\u2019t need to live with less than perfect teeth. Cosmetic dentistry<\/a> is a popular solution to improve the appearance of discoloration, chips, alignment problems, and many other common aesthetic concerns. Although you might believe it\u2019s a relatively new dental profession, the history of cosmetic dentistry dates to 700 B.C.; however, it\u2019s come a long way since ancient times. Here\u2019s how cosmetic dentistry has evolved over the years to deliver the exceptional results you see today.<\/p>\n

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Early Cosmetic Dentistry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Historians have found evidence of dental treatments throughout many centuries. The Ancient Egyptians were among the first to practice tooth replacement. Seashells and other objects were hammered into the gums to treat tooth loss. They were also known to use a toothpaste made of pumice stone and vinegar. Although that might sound unusual, the Ancient Romans used their own urine to whiten their teeth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

During the Middle Ages, you wouldn\u2019t visit a dentist to maintain a healthy smile. Instead, your barber would file your teeth and coat them with a material that destroyed the enamel. Europeans in the Middle Ages made dentures of bone or ivory while also testing new treatments on dead bodies to learn more about dentistry.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

By the 1700s, dental care evolved significantly because porcelain was used for dentures. In the 1800s, the focus of cosmetic dentistry turned to placing metals in the sockets of missing teeth, leading the way for modern dental implants.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Exploring Modern Cosmetic Dentistry<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Cosmetic dentistry began to flourish in the 20th<\/sup> century. Several treatments became available to make the teeth look attractive using natural-looking solutions, like fillings and veneers. Several innovations over the years now provide a multitude of options to achieve the exact smile you want, such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n