Dentures have been helping people chew, speak, and smile for thousands of years, but they haven’t always looked like the pristine prosthetics of today. From ancient civilizations using gold wire and seashells to modern acrylic and porcelain masterpieces, dentures have come a long way. Keep reading to take a brief look at the history of these prosthetics and see how they’ve evolved.
Ancient Origins
The earliest known dentures date back to around 700 B.C. The Etruscans of Italy were some of the first to craft partial dentures using human and animal teeth held together with gold wire.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the world, the Mayans were using carved pieces of seashell or stone to replace missing teeth—sometimes so skillfully that they fused to the jawbone over time like modern implants!
Though crude by today’s standards, these emergent technologies show just how long humans have been trying to keep their smiles intact.
The Age of Ivory
By the 1700s and 1800s, dentures began to look more like what you’d think of today. However, they were far from perfect. The higher-end models were made from ivory taken from elephants, walruses, and even hippopotamuses. While they looked great at first, ivory teeth were prone to staining and began to smell awful over time.
One of the most famous denture wearers of all time, George Washington, wore dentures like this—not wood, contrary to popular myth. His prosthetics were hand-made and expensive, combining human teeth, ivory, and metal springs to create a functional smile. This means that these kinds of dentures were a luxury only the wealthy could afford.
The Rubber Revolution
In the mid-1800s, the introduction of vulcanized rubber changed dentures forever. Invented by Charles Goodyear, this material allowed dentists to create flexible yet durable bases for prosthetics that were far more affordable. For the first time, everyday people could easily afford to restore their smiles.
By 1850, Samuel Stockton’s porcelain teeth would be used with this “vulcanite,” creating a blueprint for modern appliances to follow.
Modern Smiles
By the 20th century, dentistry had entered the age of precision and comfort. Acrylic resin replaced rubber, offering lighter, longer-lasting dentures that could be more easily customized.
During this period, cultural icons like Winston Churchill and Florence Henderson (Carol Brady on The Brady Bunch) helped normalize dentures and reduce the stigma around wearing them.
Dentures have come a long way from gold wire and seashells. With new materials, digital scans, and 3D printing on the horizon, the next generation of dentures will be more natural-looking, comfortable, and durable than ever before!
About the Practice
From ancient ivory carvings to today’s natural-looking designs, dentures have come a long way. At Glastonbury Dental Care, we’re proud to offer modern prosthetics that look and feel just like real teeth. Dr. Mimansha Agarwal and Dr. Shobhit Agarwal use the latest materials and techniques to create dentures that help patients live with confidence every day. Call (860) 659-0278 to schedule a denture consultation with our team or visit our website to explore other services.