The desire for a beautiful smile is nothing new. History shows us that, as far back as ancient times, people have been coming up with solutions to clean the teeth, fill in gaps left by missing teeth, and generally restore a more attractive smile. However, while the desire for a beautiful smile may not have changed, the methods to achieve that smile have.
Cosmetic dentistry has evolved greatly over the years, allowing the team at Astoria Dental Group to offer cosmetic dentistry treatments that address aesthetic flaws safely and effectively, while maintaining the smile’s natural appearance. Here, our Queens, NY, Long Island, NY, and NYC patients can learn a little more about how cosmetic dentistry has evolved to the advanced methods used today.
Ancient Cosmetic Dentistry Practices
Some of the earliest signs of cosmetic dentistry practices can be traced back to the ancient Egyptians and Romans. Archeologists and historians have found evidence that both of these civilizations practiced rudimentary forms of cosmetic dentistry care. The Egyptians attempted to address tooth loss by using materials such as gold, animal bones, and even seashells to replace missing teeth. The Romans are said to have rinsed the mouth with urine in an attempt to break up dental stains and improve tooth color.
Evolving Practices
Fortunately for our patients, cosmetic dentistry practices have evolved a lot since ancient times. Around the middle ages, most societies starting relying on barbers to take care of their oral health needs. Barbers were essentially dental hygienists who could clean the teeth and perform basic dental procedures. Additionally, they sometimes offered cosmetic services, such as filing the teeth to improve their shape, or applying a coat of acid to improve tooth color.
As scientific knowledge improved, cosmetic dentistry practices continued to evolve. During the early 1900s, plastics and acrylics were introduced to the dental field. Plastics and acrylics were used to shape prosthetics and dentures that could replace missing teeth. Acrylics were also used to create the first set of veneers, which sat over the teeth temporarily to enhance the smile.
The biggest changes in cosmetic dentistry came in the 20th century, which is also when cosmetic dentistry was first recognized as a dental field of its own. Due in large part to the growing field of entertainment, and the desire of movie stars to look their best, dentists found more permanent and effective ways to improve the smile. Advancements that came about in the 20th century include permanent bonding material to hold veneers and other restorations in place, bleaching agents and lasers to whiten the teeth, and dental implants to address tooth loss.
Cosmetic Dentistry Today
Today, our patients benefit from the most advanced cosmetic dentistry practices. The discoveries made during the 20th century have only continued to evolve, so patients can safely improve their smile with long-lasting solutions that blend in seamlessly with the natural teeth. Some of the advantages of today’s cosmetic dentistry practices include:
- Standardized techniques
- Superior dental materials
- Increased efficiency
- Greater attention to patient care
- Advanced dental technology
Contact Us
At Astoria Dental Group, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dentistry treatments to give you the bright, white, attractive smile you desire. If you would like to learn more about the services we provide, and which may be best-suited to your unique needs, contact us at your earliest convenience, or call (718) 571-8680 to schedule an appointment. We serve patients in Queens, Long Island, and NYC.
