The desire for a better looking and better functioning smile has existed since ancient times. Evidence from as early as 3000 BC shows that people used sticks to clean their teeth, while early toothbrushes made of animal hair were used in the late 15th century.

The first forms of cosmetic dentistry can be traced back to around 700 BCE, when the Etruscans created dentures made from ivory and bone. These dentures were later made from animal or even human teeth. By 200 CE, the Etruscans began using gold to perform the functions of a dental crown or bridge.

In ancient Egypt, whitening toothpaste was made from vinegar and ground pumice stone, while Romans used ammonia from urine in their toothpastes—a practice that persisted into the 1700s.

In the 1700s, dental implants made from human teeth were used in Europe, but the practice failed repeatedly. Metal implants followed but were also rejected.

The end of the 18th and early 19th centuries saw significant progress in cosmetic dentistry, particularly in prosthetic dentistry, with the creation of porcelain dentures. Dentists began using plaster molds of patients’ mouths, allowing for a more comfortable and well-fitting denture.

The 1840s introduced Vulcanite, the first rubberized material used as a base for dentures. In the 1850s, the first dental lab was created to produce prosthetic dental appliances. In the 1950s, porcelain crowns evolved into porcelain fused to metal crowns, and by the early 20th century, acrylic materials replaced Vulcanite for dentures, which are still used today.

Your cosmetic dentist in [Aventura] is a skilled professional practicing techniques that have been refined over thousands of years. Today, modern cosmetic dentistry stands at the forefront of knowledge, offering a variety of methods and materials to address all cosmetic dental needs.

Ready to transform your smile? Schedule your appointment today at our Aventura dental office.