Your dentist’s primary goal is to help you build and maintain strong, healthy teeth and gums, but that’s not all they can do. For example, many providers also offer various cosmetic services intended to enhance your appearance and boost your confidence.
Most of these treatments today are considered minimally invasive and are safe for a majority of patients as long as they’re performed by a qualified dentist, but that hasn’t always been the case. Continue reading to learn more about the evolution of aesthetic dentistry to better appreciate your recent upgrades!
Early Aesthetics
Many people think of cosmetic dental procedures as a relatively recent concept, but the truth is that archeologists and other scientists and researchers have found evidence that humans have been concerned about the appearance of their teeth since ancient times.
For example, as far back as 3,000 BCE, Egyptians began crafting dental crowns and bridges using valuable metals and precious objects, such as gold and seashells. However, the human body is known to reject these materials, so they probably weren’t strong enough to use for biting or chewing. That suggests these earliest restorations were likely intended more for aesthetics.
But they weren’t the only civilization to prioritize their looks. Ancient Romans are recorded as using a solution containing human or animal urine, which contains ammonia, to bleach their teeth.
Material Advancements
In Medieval times, the care of teeth and gums fell to barbers, who often filed them down or used an acid coat to brighten their tone. Unfortunately, this weakened the enamel, resulting in widespread oral issues and tooth loss. Then, dentistry didn’t evolve much until the Age of Enlightenment in Europe.
Starting around the 1700s, physicians began experimenting with new materials to help improve the appearance and function of their patients’ mouths. For instance, porcelain was used to make more lifelike replacement teeth and restorations until the early 1900s when rubber, plastics, and acrylics were developed.
Modern Cosmetic Procedures
In the 20th century, ongoing advances in dental knowledge, instruments, and techniques enabled new and improved cosmetic services. For instance, it was discovered that hydrogen peroxide could bleach away stubborn tooth stains, and composite resin materials could be customized to match natural enamel for more realistic repairs and restorations.
Today, dentists offer a wider range of services that deliver more accurate and reliable outcomes than ever before. Whether you want to address unsightly chips and cracks, brighten your grin, reshape your gums, or hide misalignments, your provider can help devise a customized treatment plan to help meet your goals and build the perfectly flawless grin you’ve always dreamed of!
About the Practice
Patients at Peabody Smile Design Family Dentistry benefit from a team of highly qualified professionals who are passionate about helping them build the most beautiful and healthiest versions of their smiles. They collaborate to provide a comprehensive menu of services, including cosmetic procedures, using advanced technology for comfortable, accurate outcomes meant to last. If you want to upgrade your grin, you can request a consultation on the website or call (978) 278-5478.