Did you know? False teeth have been used for CENTURIES to replace missing teeth! However, they have undergone improvements over time to get to the realistic and comfortable appeal they have in the modern day.
From animal teeth and human teeth, to modern acrylic resin and porcelain, denture materials have evolved to become more comfortable, durable, and natural-looking to restore oral health, so wearers have a great experience with their dentures.
Unfortunately, many people are STILL wary of dentures due to some old stigmas! Well rest assured, this article will explore how dentures have improved over time to become more realistic, comfortable and secure in the mouth than ever before.
A brief history of dentures
Dentures have an extensive history that dates back thousands of years, back to the ancient Egyptians, Romans and Etruscans. Back then, dentures typically consisted of animal teeth or human teeth and were secured with gold wire or silk threads! We’ve come a long way since then!
The use of dentures made from animal bone dentures and ivory dentures continued into the 18th century in Europe, however, the 18th century saw the introduction of porcelain teeth for dentures. Unfortunately, those who would wear dentures then, would still experience discomfort, and speech and chewing issues.
Dentures became more comfortable for wearers during the 19th century, which saw the introduction of dentures made from soft materials like rubber. The 19th century also saw the instruction of mass produced rubber dentures due to the dentist Charles Goodyear, which made dentures more accessible and affordable. These are the dentures you probably remember your grandparents wearing!
Acrylic resin became a popular material for dentures during the 20th century, as it was lightweight, durable, and easy to mould to the shape of the mouth. However, modern day has seen some mind blowing advancements in the field of dental technology that has made dentures the most realistic and comfortable they have ever been!
The development of realistic and comfortable materials
Thanks to some seriously high-tech materials, dentures are now more realistic and comfortable than ever before. Dental technology has advanced over the years to create high-tech materials, which mimic the natural appearance of teeth and gums.
In the past, dentures may have had an overly-fake look, however, with the modern use of acrylic resin, dentures can now be created with a high-quality finish that matches the colour of your gums. This means your dentures will blend seamlessly with your natural teeth, so no one will be the wiser that you are wearing dentures!
Gone are the days of denture discomfort! With the development of comfortable yet strong materials like flexible resin, you can often forget that you’re wearing dentures throughout the day and enjoy all your favourite foods!
Did you know? Your dental clinician can take a 3D scan of your mouth to get an accurate look at your dental autonomy. Your dentures can then be custom-made to ensure the most comfortable wear, all while complementing your facial features and natural smile.
So gone are the days of the chunky and clunk dentures that your grandparents may have worn! Here at Kevin Manners, we offer high tech, modern solutions to give patients the most realistic smile possible.
How suction dentures changed the game
A German dentist named Dr. Walter Wright introduced the concept of suction dentures in the 1920s. He developed the genius idea of using a vacuum seal to hold the denture in place!
His suction dentures were made of vulcanite, a type of hard rubber that was often uncomfortable. The denture would be placed in the patient’s mouth, and then they would bite down to create a vacuum seal that held the denture securely in place.
Although Dr Wright was on the right track, if you pardon the pun, his idea needed decades of refining to ensure optimal comfort.
Improved technology over the years has led to advancements in manufacturing techniques, so we now can offer patients more comfortable and realistic suction dentures. So rather than the uncomfortable vulcanite, they are now made from the comfortable acrylic resin and metal.
Modern suction dentures also have a better fit, due to a soft liner material that conforms to the contours of the mouth. Dental clinicians can also take scans of your mouth to ensure the suction perfectly fits the contours of our mouth.
Professor Jiro Abe is world renowned for his lifetime of expertise in denture design and the development of suction denture techniques. George Manners of Kevin Manners Denture Clinics is one of only a few UK-based Clinical Dental Technicians to have acquired this knowledge.
Due to these advancements in suction dentures, they now look realistic and feel as comfortable as possible. Patients can rest assured knowing the suction technology is strong and secure in the mouth. If you want the comfort and realism of suction dentures, be sure to contact us for a consultation and we can get you started on your smile journey.
The advancement of dental implants
The discovery of dental implants in modern science was actually an accident! The Swedish orthopaedic surgeon, Per-Ingvar Brånemark, accidentally discovered the process of osseointegration (which refers to the natural bonding of bone to a titanium implant) in 1952.
Brånemark was busy experimenting with titanium screws in bone and discovered that the screws had become fused with the bone tissue. This discovery paved the way for the development of modern dental implants.
After over a decade of testing and development, in 1965, Brånemark finally placed his first titanium dental implant in a human patient. By the 1980s, dental implants had become a widely accepted and successful treatment option for missing teeth.
However back then, the process of getting dental implants was lengthy and required multiple visits to the dentist. Lucky for modern patients, with the advancements in technology, dental implants have become a quicker and more efficient process.
Over the years, advances in technology and materials have led to the development of more sophisticated dental implants. Here are some of the key advancements that make dental implants as secure, realistic, durable and comfortable as they are today.
3D imaging
This technology allows dental clinicians to create a 3D image of the patient’s mouth, which helps in designing and customising the dental implant to fit perfectly in the patient’s mouth.
Cone Beam Computed Tomography
To plan the placement of the dental implant accurately, dental clinicians can use CBCT scanning to get a 3D image of the patient’s mouth and jawbone.
New materials
Mr Brånemark invented the dental implant with titanium, but advancement in technology has seen the development of new materials. Now we have materials like zirconia and ceramic, which are more aesthetically pleasing and have better biocompatibility.
Guided implant surgery
This is a piece of technology that allows dental clinicians to plan the placement of the dental implant accurately. Guided implant surgery involves using a surgical guide that is created using the patient’s CT scan. The guide helps the dentist to place the implant in the exact location, depth, and angle as planned, resulting in a more successful outcome so you can have a happy, healthy smile!
If you’re considering dentures, speak to one of our expert dental clinicians to find out about which service is right for you.