The need for Fake Teeth arises when someone loses incisors, canines, or molars. Missing visible frontal Teeth might make a person unconfident about their appearance.
Brief History of Fake Teeth
Historically, Fake dentures were used to improve the smile of the person with lost teeth. While dental technology was not advanced during ancient times, people would still find ways to incorporate fake teeth in their mouths.
- The first practice dates back to 2500 BC in Mexico, where people took animal teeth and embedded them in place of their missing molars.
- The second practice dates back to 700 BC in Italy, where a gold wire would hold an animal or human teeth.
How were Fake Teeth first made?
The placement of teeth from animals like wolves, and elephants in human mouths were uncomfortable and not identical in size. To match the size of missing teeth, Japanese people came up with the idea of wooden dentures in the 16th century. They started to make wooden dentures as per the shape and size of the person’s missing teeth. These wooden dentures were made from beeswax and placed inside the mouth.
Advancement in Fake Teeth
Around the 18th century, France was rapidly advancing in dental technologies. Alexis Duchateau, a French dentist, and the introducer of mineral paste started using Porcelain Fake Teeth. The dentist claimed that the porcelain teeth did not decay inside the mouth, unlike ivory teeth but had a problem of cracking. In the 19th century, Claudius Ash, a jeweler, came up with the idea of placing porcelain over 18-karat gold plates with springs that reduced chipping sounds and enhanced the appearance of false teeth.
The Battle of Waterloo in 1815 is infamous for human teeth extraction. Scavengers would pull out the teeth of dead soldiers for dentists to use as a replacement for people with missing ones.
Up to the 20th century, it was common for the Japanese to wear fake wooden teeth as a replacement. But in the UK, US, and France, fake teeth were made using compounds of acrylic, rubber, resin, celluloid, and Bakelite with porcelain to build a natural look.
Famous People and Fake Teeth
Historically, Queen Elizabeth wore clothing in place of her missing Teeth as dental technology was not advanced.
George Washington is the most notable personality cited for wearing fake teeth made from the finest materials. In the 18th century, dentists worked together to place hippopotamus ivory in the President’s mouth.
What types of Fake Teeth are available now?
Modern Fake Teeth are more comfortable to chew food with, last longer, and look more natural than 20th-century dentures. Materials like acrylic, porcelain, and partial metal are currently in use to make modern Fake Teeth for a comfortable experience.
Conclusion
Nowadays, the use of Fake Teeth as a replacement is a common practice worldwide. About 19% of the population uses some dentures to fix their smiles! Your dentist can suggest suitable fake teeth as per the diagnosis. This practice is so common that you cannot point out the difference between fake and real teeth in a person’s mouth. Fake teeth look similar, and sometimes even better than the real ones.
