The story of dentures and dental implants is not for the delicate..
Here's the unsavory origins those awful contraptions called dentures, the miracle of dental implants, and mini implants.
Ever wonder who invented dentures? The pre-Roman Etruscans of Northern Italy made dentures out of human or animal teeth. George Washington, one of the more famous denture wearers wore one made of hippopotamus ivory implanted in a wooden prosthesis. These first dentures were very uncomfortable and disfigured his face.
The popularity of the use of sugar in the 18 and 19th century created a rise in the number of dentists. And the demand for replacement of the public's rotten teeth. Animal teeth tended to discolor some turning yellow or brown, others blue and would rot over time.
Waterloo teeth were teeth snatched from dead soldiers from the Napoleonic, Crimean and American Civil Wars. Although these dentures were more comfortable than those worn by George Washington, it’s unsavory origins didn’t sit well with the toothless upper class.
They would eventually rot, turn brown and become rancid. Worse - people would be infected by contagious diseases such as syphilis from these things. Rich people at this time preferred teeth made of silver, gold, mother of pearl or agate.
Waterloo teeth were teeth snatched from dead soldiers from the Napoleonic, Crimean and American Civil Wars. Although these dentures were more comfortable than those worn by George Washington, it’s unsavory origins didn’t sit well with the toothless upper class.
They would eventually rot, turn brown and become rancid. Worse - people would be infected by contagious diseases such as syphilis from these things. Rich people at this time preferred teeth made of silver, gold, mother of pearl or agate.
The
battle of Waterloo in 1815 which resulted in 50,000 dead, created a bonanza for
the scavenging ghouls beyond the usual money, rings and other personal items
they would rob from the dead and dying left on the battlefield.
Using
pliers, they were able to extract innumerable” hogs heads” (54 gallon brewery barrels)
of healthy teeth from the mostly young soldiers which were shipped primarily to
dentists in England anxious for a new source of quality teeth for dentures.
Previously
they had been relying on more nefarious sources such as the bodies of condemned
criminals, deceased from hospitals, paupers from morgues and even grave
robbers. The best teeth being from the poverty
stricken who would sell a live tooth for today’s equivalent of $70.
Dentures
of better quality Waterloo Teeth became the prized cosmetic dental fashion item
for many dandys and fashionistas. This continued into the 1860’s wherein battlefield
teeth were again harvested during the American Civil War and shipped to Europe
for sale.
Oil,
autos, tires, rubber vulcanization, plastics and later acrylics are all linked to
the invention of the modern denture.