Cosmetic dentistry is any treatment that improves a person’s appearance and today, there are many cosmetic dental treatments available, such as teeth whitening, teeth straightening and dental implants.
Earliest Forms Of Cosmetic Dentistry
The cosmetic dentistry field began as long ago as 700AD, when archaeological digs revealed humans wearing some form of dentures and in 200AD, we know that gold was used to make teeth. In early times, they actually pulled out teeth from deceased people to create dentures and prior to that, ivory and bone were used to make false teeth.
The First Porcelain Dentures
The very first porcelain dentures were made in the 1700s and a few years later, porcelain dentures were introduced to America. Porcelain dentures were continuously developed during the 18th and 19th centuries and it wasn’t until the early 1900s that acrylic was used in the manufacture of dentures. If you would like to have your teeth whitened or swap your dentures for dental implants, there is a cosmetic dentist covering North Shore and surrounding areas who offers a wide range of cosmetic treatments at affordable prices.
Teeth Whitening
Dentists were experimenting with hydrogen peroxide as long ago as the early 1900s, when one dentist developed a tray that when worn, would whiten the teeth using hydrogen peroxide. Laser teeth whitening first emerged in the 1960s, when it was used to treat gum disease, while the FDA approved laser teeth whitening in the 1990s. If you would like your teeth to be a few shades whiter, simply search online for laser teeth whitening in your area. Make an introductory appointment and the dentist can examine you to see what can be done.
Dental Implants
While other metals were used to anchor dental implants since the 1920s, it wasn’t until the mid-sixties when it was discovered that titanium bonded well with human bone and tissue, and since that time, titanium is always used for dental implant screws that are inserted into the jawbone. Indeed, dental implants revolutionised cosmetic dentistry by providing a permanent solution for missing teeth, whether a single tooth, or a full up and down set of dentures. While dental implants are not cheap, they do offer a permanent solution to missing teeth and if fitted by a professional, they will last for many years.
Porcelain Veneers
Dental veneers were invented by Charles Pincas in the 1930s, which were originally used for film stars and in the early 1980s, porcelain veneers could be glued to the front teeth, enhancing a person’s appearance. As time went by, these veneers became thinner and thinner and if you wanted to have porcelain veneers fitted at the present time, a Google search will help you find a cosmetic dentist who specialises in dental veneers.
The field of cosmetic dentistry has benefitted greatly from new technology since the 1960s and now it is possible to improve your appearance in many ways. Laser teeth whitening is very affordable, while dental implants offer a permanent solution to missing teeth. With Invisalign clear-plastic aligners, you can have straighter teeth and a nicer smile.
