How Dentures Have Transformed Over Time

February 19, 2019
Dr. Micahel Ammons Dentist in Summerville, Dentist in James Island, Dentist in Camden, Dentist in Charleston
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Michael Ammons, DMD
modern-dentures-image.jpg

Have you ever wondered what dentures were like when they were first invented? Here, we’ll show you how dentures have transformed throughout the years.

Ancient Times

In 700 BC,(a powerful and wealthy civilization located in what is today northern Italy) created dentures by attaching gold wires and bands to animal and human teeth, while the Romans utilized a similar technique in 500 BC. Archeological evidence of other primitive dentures have also been found in Egyptian tombs.

18th Century

In 1774, a doctor named Alexis Duchâteau created the first porcelain dentures. He wore ivory dentures himself, but he was tiring of them because they had begun to rot. Though these early porcelain dentures were an improvement, they chipped easily and also looked a bit too white for his taste. Around this time, dentures sometimes included teeth that had been collected from deceased soldiers, for a more natural appearance. Fun fact: Many people mistakenly believe that George Washington wore wooden dentures, while they were actually made of a combination of animal teeth, human teeth, metal alloys, and ivory

19th Century

During the 1800s, the rise of sugary diets led to an increase in tooth decay and tooth extractions, prompting the invention of an improved denture. A silversmith and goldsmith named Claudius Ash mounted porcelain on gold plates, complete with gold springs and swivels. These dentures were both functionally and aesthetically superior to previous creations. Then by the 1850s, a few years after Goodyear patented Vulcanite, many dentures were made of porcelain set into hardened rubber.

20th Century

In the 20th century, denture teeth began to be made from acrylic resin, an inexpensive and odorless material, with the base being constructed of either a rigid acrylic resin or flexible nylon polymer.

Modern Day

Today, both plastic, acrylic resin, and porcelain are still used in dentures. At Ammons Dental By Design, we offer affordable denture options for every patient's smile goals and budget, including denture stabilizing dental implants, partial dentures, and full dentures. Based on your unique situation, we can determine the best course of restorative treatment and help you choose a manageable payment option. We offer cash and military discounts, and accept a number of insurances and third-party financing through CareCredit® and LendingClub®.

Schedule Your Dentures Consultation Today!

Contact our expert team if you have any other questions about the history of dentures. Or, schedule a consultation at one of our locations to see if dentures are the right restorative treatment for your dental needs. We look forward to hearing from you.

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Ammons Dental By Design blog is proudly run by our South Carolina Dental Team. We love to share knowledge and tips about the best dental care and practices. Apart from running this blog, we offer general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, emergency dental care, and dental implants for the community in areas around Charleston, South Carolina. We have 4 clinics in Downtown Charleston, James Island, Summerville, West Ashley and Camden, SC

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Multiple Convenient Dental Locations Near Charleston

Ammons Dental By Design has four locations so you can find the most convenient office for your family.
Camden
1015 Fair St.
Camden, SC 29020

Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm

(803) 969-0365
F: (803) 432-2625
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Downtown Charleston
14 Lockwood Dr,
Charleston, SC 29401
(Suite A on the exterior of the Ashley House Building, across from the marina)

Monday – Thursday:
7am - 4pm

(843) 380-2734
F: (843) 577-4464
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James Island
1739-B Maybank Hwy.
Charleston, SC 29412

Tuesday – Friday:
7am - 4pm

(843) 380-8889
F: (843) 990-9504
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Summerville
1710 Old Trolley RD., Ste. B
Summerville, SC 29485
*Rotating schedule
Tuesday – Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Monday & Friday*: 8am – 5pm
(843) 380-8904
F: (843) 871-0617
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West Ashley
1014 St Andrews Blvd Suite 210 B-1, Charleston, SC 29407

Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm

(843) 305-8403
F:
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CAMDEN
1015 Fair St.
Camden, SC 29020
Monday – Thursday:
8am – 5pm
P: (803) 969-0365
F: (803) 432-2625
about this locationsubmit a review
DOWNTOWN CHARLESTON
14 Lockwood Dr,
Charleston, SC 29401
(Suite A on the exterior of the Ashley House Building, across from the marina)
Monday – Thursday:
7am - 4pm
P: (843) 380-2734
F: (843) 577-4464
about this locationsubmit a review
JAMES ISLAND
1739-B Maybank Hwy.
Charleston, SC 29412
Tuesday – Friday:
7am - 4pm
P: (843) 380-8889
F: (843) 990-9504
about this locationsubmit a review
SUMMERVILLE
1710 Old Trolley., Ste.B
Summerville, SC 29485
Tuesday – Thursday: 8am – 5pm
Monday & Friday*: 8am – 5pm
*Rotating schedule
P: (843) 380-8904
F: (843) 871-0617
about this locationsubmit a review
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