The Evolution of Dentures – A Journey Through Time
Dentures have come a long way from their ancient origins. Early civilizations like the Egyptians and Etruscans experimented with materials like gold wire and bone, while the Japanese famously used wooden dentures from the 16th to 19th centuries. By the 18th century, skilled craftsmen began using ivory, human, and animal teeth, marking a turning point in denture-making. Eventually, rubber, early plastics, and acrylics revolutionized denture materials, making them more durable, comfortable, and natural-looking. Today, digital dentures and implant-supported prosthetics showcase just how far dental technology has advanced.
Let’s take a closer look at the history, myths, and evolution of dentures and the incredible advancements that have shaped modern prosthetics.
Ancient Dentures – The First Attempts at False Teeth
Dentures date back thousands of years. Around 2500 B.C., the earliest known false teeth were crafted from wolf teeth in Mexico. Meanwhile, the Etruscans were pioneering gold-wire dentures, attaching human and animal teeth to restore missing smiles. The Egyptians also created bone dentures wrapped in gold wire, showing an early emphasis on dental aesthetics.
In Japan, from the 16th to 19th centuries, wooden dentures were widely used. These unique prosthetics were handcrafted and shaped using beeswax impressions, often incorporating human and animal teeth, horn, or pagodite (a type of mineral).
The ingenuity of these ancient civilizations highlights their early understanding of oral health, long before modern dentistry took shape.
The Evolution of Dentures Over the Centuries
By the 18th century, dentures were becoming more sophisticated. Skilled artisans like ivory turners, goldsmiths, and barber-surgeons were at the forefront of denture craftsmanship. Materials such as:
✔ Ivory – Carved from elephant or walrus tusks, ivory dentures were durable but stained over time.
✔ Human Teeth – Often sourced from grave robbers or impoverished individuals selling their teeth.
✔ Animal Teeth – Used as an alternative to human teeth.
✔ Gold Springs & Brass Screws – Helped hold dentures in place.
Hardened rubber (vulcanite) became a game-changer in the 19th century, replacing ivory as a cheaper and more flexible option. As technology improved, early plastics emerged, leading to modern acrylic resin, which is now the de-facto standard for denture bases.
Craftsmanship & Innovation in Dentures
Skilled craftsmen played a crucial role in denture development. Ivory turners, goldsmiths, and barber-surgeons worked to improve fit, comfort, and durability. The transition from human and animal teeth to standardised materials like ivory and rubber marked a significant shift in denture-making.
Modern advances have brought CAD/CAM technology, allowing for precise, digitally designed dentures. 3D scanning, milling, and printing now offer dentures that are stronger, more comfortable, and more natural-looking than ever before.
Dentistry’s Biggest Myths – Did George Washington Have Wooden Teeth?
One of the most famous denture myths is that George Washington had wooden teeth. In reality, his dentures were a sophisticated combination of:
✔ Ivory – Durable but prone to staining.
✔ Gold & Lead – Used for framework and support.
✔ Human & Animal Teeth – Some were even purchased from individuals facing poverty.
The "wooden teeth" myth likely came from the discoloration of his ivory dentures over time, making them appear brown or grainy.
The Dark Side of Early Dentures – Waterloo Teeth
One of the grimmer chapters in denture history is the use of Waterloo Teeth—real human teeth taken from fallen soldiers after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. These teeth were:
🦷 Extracted from dead soldiers, cleaned, and repurposed into dentures.
🦷 Sold to dentists and craftsmen to meet the rising demand for false teeth.
🦷 Eventually outlawed as dental ethics and technology improved.
The British Anatomy Act helped put an end to sourcing teeth from corpses, pushing the industry toward synthetic materials instead.
Modern Dentures – More Comfortable & Customizable Than Ever
Today, dentures are crafted from high-quality materials like cross-linked PMMA and acrylic resin, offering a durable, comfortable, and aesthetic solution for tooth loss. Advanced options now include:
✔ Custom-fit dentures – Designed using digital scans for superior precision.
✔ Implant-retained dentures – Providing more stability by anchoring to titanium implants.
✔ Flexible dentures – For small edentulous spans - using lightweight, bendable materials for extra comfort.
✔ 3D-printed dentures – Revolutionising the industry with fast and precise production.
✔ Milled dentures - Made from stronger, denser materials providing increased durability, with incredibly precise fit and aesthetics.
Additionally, root canal treatments and dental implants have allowed more people to preserve their natural teeth, reducing the need for full dentures.
How to Keep Your Natural Teeth & Avoid Dentures
Even with all the advancements in dental prosthetics, keeping your natural teeth is always the best option - even we say so! Here are the top ways to maintain good oral health:
✔ Regular Dental Checkups – Catch problems early before they worsen.
✔ Daily Brushing & Flossing – Prevent decay and gum disease.
✔ Avoid Sugary Foods & Drinks – Reduce the risk of cavities and erosion.
✔ Wear a Mouthguard – Protect your teeth from sports injuries or nighttime grinding.
By following these steps, you can keep your teeth healthy for life and minimise the need for dentures in the future.
Final Thoughts – A Journey of Constant Innovation
Dentures have evolved dramatically from gold-wired teeth and ivory plates to custom-fitted digital prosthetics. With modern materials, 3D scanning, and implant-supported options, today’s dentures are more comfortable, natural-looking, and long-lasting than ever before.
Whether you need full dentures, partial dentures, or implant-supported options, the advancements in technology and materials have made it possible to restore smiles more effectively than at any time in history.
💬 Got questions about modern dentures or the latest innovations? Talk to us to explore the best options for you! 😊