Dental care has been around since the Egyptians, and their dental methods back then were much more frightening than they are now. Now with the help of cosmetic dentistry, people don’t have to endure years of an imperfect smile. Its evolution has progressed with the needs of today’s society. People have gone from looking for basic hygienic health to now looking for better and whiter smiles.
The history of cosmetic dentistry shows how evolved dental technology is today and how easy it is to fix your smile.
The History of Cosmetic Dentistry
With modern dental care, you don’t have to suffer from a smile with only a partial amount of teeth. The use of dental implants and other cosmetic dentistry techniques, your smile is the one you thought you could only get in your dreams. But when did cosmetic dentistry start?
Rise of cosmetic dentistry
Cosmetic dentistry has become quite popular in the last 10 to 20 years. Multi Briefs reports that the global dental devices market is projected to reach $12.9 billion by 2016, coming from $3.2 billion just five years ago, in 2010. Some of the newest cosmetic dental procedures include porcelain crowns and custom porcelain veneers. Cosmetic dental procedures have probably kept up with the times of our society and the demand for better and whiter teeth.
Metal fillings and tooth-colored composites
One of the oldest records of metal fillings published in 1530 described the practice of filling cavities with gold. Dating even further back in 659, the Chinese wrote about filling them with silver and tin. Other metals, such as mercury was commonly to fill cavities. These days, we have finally said goodbye to metal fillings (which can cause decay). The new white bonded fillings will keep patients’ teeth looking white and feeling strong.
Dentures, bridges, and dental implants
Dentures have been used to cover missing teeth for a long time. Even our first president, Washington, wore dentures. Eventually, the invention of bridges made covering teeth a little more comfortable. However, bridges can fall out over time and possibly leave behind damage to the surrounding teeth.
Today, the most efficient way to cover missing teeth is what is known as dental implants. Now you can “grow” new teeth with our dental implants that screw in like posts to the gums. Dental implants have cosmetic benefits and jawbone support, helping to prevent deterioration that may come with bridges and dentures.
Our Cosmetic Dentistry Helps You Get the Smile of Your Dreams
Ready to complete your smile? Our Bellevue cosmetic dentist will help you achieve your smile goals. Contact us today to schedule an appointment with one of our caring dentist!
