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The first dentures were made out of human or other animal teeth around 700BC by Etruscans in and around what is now northern Italy. As you can imagine, these organic dentures would deteriorate quickly. However, seeing that they were easy to produce, this was the method of choice and was popular among people for a very long time, until the mid 16th century. Other methods using wood, iron, gold or ivory were also used, however expensive and difficult to produce. It was not until the 1770’s that the first porcelain dentures were made. Perhaps the most famous early denture wearer was George Washington. He was fitted with them prior to 1764. As the first U.S. President, Washington’s dentures are a part of history and are now on display in America.

Peter de la Roche of London is believed to be one of the first men who would operate on teeth and was recognized as a specialist in dental work. These ‘Operators of teeth’ became more prevalent and often were or began as professional goldsmiths, ivory turners or students of surgeons.

In 1820, another resident of London, Claudius Ash, who was a goldsmith by trade, began molding porcelain dentures of high quality which were mounted on 18-carat gold plates. As the science progressed, dentures were, from the 1850s on, made of Vulcanite, a form of hardened rubber into which porcelain teeth were set. Today, acrylic resin and other plastics are used for denture manufacturing. Shapes, sizes and colours are all much more natural looking and fit more comfortably than ever. Fortunately, with advancements in oral and dental care the elderly population requiring dentures is much lower in proportions than in the past.

Today, dentures are appropriate for anyone who has a number of missing teeth or has decaying or damaged teeth and desire to find a viable solution to their needs. In addition, dentures are above all useful to people who are missing most or all of their teeth. For these people dentures are a means to chewing or speaking properly. Still yet, full dentures are also appropriate for individuals who still have a few of their teeth left. Not only do dentures help a person speak clearly and eat comfortably, they are also vital in improving the appearance of the jaw and smile.