While people have attempted to whiten, straighten, and reshape their teeth in many ways over the course of history, modern cosmetic dentistry emerged fairly recently in the 1980s. Today’s cosmetic dental treatments are incredibly safe and effective, and you probably know a few people who have used them to enhance their smiles. Here’s a brief guide to a few primitive ways of beautifying the teeth as well as a few remarkable modern procedures.
Ancient Teeth Whitening Methods Ranged from Brutal to Disgusting
Today’s dentists can administer safe and sanitary teeth whitening treatments that deliver amazing results in brief timeframes through in-office procedures that take about an hour or take-home kits that can be completed in about two weeks. However, people who lived before modern dental science were left with whitening methods that seem quite questionable by modern standards.
In the Medieval period, a person who wanted whiter teeth would seek the help of a barber who would use a file to remove a few stained layers of enamel before treating the teeth with a special acid to bleach them. While this was effective at whitening the teeth, it destroyed healthy dental structure and left the patient more vulnerable to tooth decay and loss.
Earlier than that, the ancient Romans preferred to whiten their teeth by rinsing their mouths with their own urine. While the ammonia in this bodily fluid could break down stains in teeth and leave them with a whiter appearance, it certainly didn’t do anything to fight bad breath.
Today’s Dental Crowns Look Great and Function Well
Dentists have used dental crowns to restore compromised teeth for centuries, and modern versions are more lifelike and effective than ever before. In decades past, crowns were typically made from metals such as silver or gold, and while they were able to restore the patient’s chewing power and protect the tooth from injury, they were quite conspicuous in the rest of the smile.
Thankfully, modern dental crowns are made from high-quality ceramic materials such as porcelain. Today’s crowns not only rebuild and protect teeth damaged by decay or injury, but also restore their appearance so that casual observers will not even notice that they are there. This has allowed many patients to enjoy having beautiful smiles after oral trauma, infections, or intensive dental procedures such as root canals.
Today’s dental patient can choose from a wide variety of effective cosmetic dental treatments that can vastly improve their smile, confidence, and quality of life. Consulting with your dentist can help you determine if cosmetic dentistry is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Justin Geller earned his dental degree at the University of Detroit and regularly refines his skills through continuing education courses. He is a proud member of the Motor City Study Club and the International Team for Implantology. His office in Novi offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry. To schedule your cosmetic dental consultation, contact his office online or dial (248) 926-4030.