Dentures, the artificial replacements for missing teeth, have a rich and fascinating history that spans centuries. From rudimentary contraptions crafted from animal teeth to the modern, sophisticated prosthetics of today, the evolution of dentures tells a compelling tale of human ingenuity and the quest for a perfect smile. At Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre, we can provide you with much more cutting-edge solutions for dentures in Hamilton, but have a read about what would have been the case in the past!
Denture Evolution: What Is The Main Reason For Dentures?
People were already making dentures way back in the 7th century BC. In fact the Etruscans were the first to do it, using animal and human teeth. However, this practice disappeared when their civilisation declined. Fast forward to the 1700s, and denture-making made a comeback.
The 1700s was a time when sugar became a household favourite. Unfortunately, the highly addictive sweet taste came with a sour consequence—increased tooth decay. Imagine a world without advanced dental treatments like root canals; this meant more people experienced tooth loss, making it unusual for someone to keep all their natural teeth beyond 50. This set the stage for a growing demand for solutions to replace missing teeth, leading to the emergence of dentures.
The Sugar-Induced Tooth Decay Challenge
The 1700s witnessed the widespread adoption of sugar, and it wasn’t long before dental health took a hit. With limited dental hygiene practices, the surge in sugar consumption contributed to more tooth decay. This, coupled with the absence of advanced tooth-saving techniques, resulted in many people losing their teeth earlier in life.
Tooth-Saving Struggles:
Unlike today’s dental advancements, there were limited options for preserving natural teeth in the 1700s. The lack of sophisticated treatments meant tooth decay often led to tooth loss, making it uncommon for individuals to maintain a complete set of natural teeth into their later years.
The Emergence of Dentures: Denture Evolution
As tooth loss became a prevalent issue, the need for a solution led to the development of dentures and denture evolution. Made from materials such as animal and human teeth, as well as ivory. These early dentures aimed to restore the function and appearance of a complete set of teeth. Therefore, dentures became a practical choice for those looking to regain their smiles as well as enable them to eat amidst the challenges posed by widespread tooth decay.
The Lifelike Solution:
The primary motivation for seeking dentures remains consistent throughout history. Individuals turn to dentures to restore functionality and aesthetics compromised by tooth loss. Whether due to aging, decay, disease, or trauma, the absence of natural teeth significantly impacts one’s ability to chew, speak, and smile confidently. Dentures, standing as a time-tested solution, provide a lifelike replacement for missing teeth, enabling individuals to reclaim the natural rhythm of their oral functions and the confidence that comes with a complete smile.
Why Do People Get Dentures Instead Of Implants?
With denture evolution in mind, dental implants have gained popularity in recent years. Many individuals still opt for dentures for various reasons. One key factor is cost, as dentures tend to be a more budget-friendly option than surgical placement for implants. Additionally, dentures offer a non-invasive alternative, making them more accessible to those who may not be suitable candidates for dental implant surgery.
Another crucial consideration is the timeframe for obtaining a new set of teeth. Dentures can be fabricated relatively quickly, providing a speedy solution for individuals who require immediate tooth replacement. On the other hand, dental implants involve a more extended process, including surgery, osseointegration, and the placement of prosthetic teeth, which can take several months.
What Is A Common Problem With Dentures?
Despite their advantages, dentures are not without their challenges. One common issue is the fit and stability of the prosthetic. Ill-fitting dentures can cause discomfort and difficulty chewing and even lead to sores and irritation in the mouth. Regular adjustments and proper maintenance are essential to ensuring the longevity and comfort of dentures.
In addition, many denture wearers experience a temporary adjustment period, during which they may grapple with changes in speech and an increased salivary flow. However, these issues often diminish with practice and perseverance as individuals adapt to their new oral appliances.
Who Is Not Suitable For Dentures?
While dentures work well for many, they might not be the perfect choice for everyone. People with a lot of jawbone loss, which can happen for various reasons, might find it hard to get dentures that fit securely. Jawbone loss can occur due to factors like long-term tooth loss, gum disease, or other health issues. Dentures need a solid base to stay in place, and if there’s not enough bone structure, it can be tricky to make them stay put.
Also, if someone has serious gum problems, especially advanced gum disease, it’s a good idea to deal with those issues before jumping into dentures. Advanced gum disease can affect the health of the gums and the support needed for dentures to work well. So, fixing any major gum problems before considering dentures is essential. In simple terms, while dentures are an excellent way to replace missing teeth, it’s wise to talk to us at Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre before making any decisions, especially if there’s a lot of jawbone loss or serious gum troubles, as these issues can impact how well dentures fit and function.
Ivoclar BPS® Dentures
When it comes to cutting-edge denture solutions, Ivoclar BPS® stands out as a superior choice, and it’s available exclusively at select New Zealand clinics, including us at the Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre. Known for being durable, these dentures are less prone to breakage or chipping, ensuring a prolonged lifespan.
Setting itself apart from traditional dentures, Ivoclar BPS® offers wearers a more natural look and feel, closely resembling the appearance and texture of natural teeth. This precision crafting extends to improved daily functionality, facilitating easier eating and speaking and addressing common challenges associated with traditional prosthetics.
A key feature is the personalised fit of BPS dentures, prioritising wearer comfort and minimising potential discomfort or irritation. Additionally, the system is designed to reduce gum irritation, aligning with Ivoclar BPS®’s commitment to overall well-being.
In essence, choosing Ivoclar BPS® dentures at Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre is not just a prosthetic decision but an investment in advanced dental technology, combining durability, natural aesthetics, functionality, and wearer comfort for a revitalised and confident smile.
Denture Evolution: Conclusion
Reflecting on the journey of denture evolution, it’s like stepping into a fascinating history book where people have been on a mission to fix smiles for ages. From ancient times to today, dentures have undergone changes, showing our ongoing effort to bring back both the natural look and practical use to smiles with missing teeth.
As we flip through the timeline, we see the clever ways people improved dentures. It’s a bit like an evolving art project with new ideas, tools, and medical tricks making it better. Different things, like materials and techniques, played a part in making dentures. This journey reveals how dentures have been a changing and lasting solution.
Looking at why people still go for dentures today, it’s like picking from different options. Some folks choose dentures because they’re not too pricey, some like that they work fast, and others prefer them because they’re not too invasive. It’s as if dentures can adjust to what people need when they want to bring back their smiles and keep their mouths healthy.
In a nutshell, the denture story isn’t just about how artificial teeth improved but about how people have always found ways to bring back their smiles. From ancient times to now, dentures have been a reliable friend for those wanting to reclaim their smiles, confidence, and overall mouth health.
If you’re considering dentures in Hamilton or the surrounding regions, come and talk to us at Hamilton Dental Emergency Centre. We are experts in Denture Construction and Denture Repair, ensuring that your journey to a revitalised smile is met with experienced and compassionate care.
Call 0800 006 047 to talk to one of our friendly team or
Phone: 07 834 9293
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