Despite popular knowledge to the contrary, people have always cared about their smiles. In fact, long before dental offices existed, ancient civilizations were finding creative (and sometimes painful) ways to improve their teeth. The fact that cosmetic dentistry exists today is the result of thousands of years of trial, error, and innovation. Keep reading to take a brief journey through the history of cosmetic treatment.
The Early Ways
The earliest known attempts at cosmetic dental work date back to ancient Egypt, where the wealthy filled gaps with carved ivory and bone. The Etruscans, who lived in what would become Italy, crafted bridges and partial dentures from animal teeth as far back as 700 BC. Around the same time, the Romans used gold wire to stabilize teeth.
So, while the desire to create a more beautiful smile has been around for a long time, the tools wouldn’t catch up for centuries.
Around the 1700s, dentistry became more formalized, but the cosmetic side was still a work-in-progress. Human teeth were pulled from soldiers on battlefields (living and deceased), before being transplanted. The results weren’t great, but demand was high enough that the practice continued for decades.
The 20th Century
The true rise of cosmetic dentistry began in the 20th century. Porcelain crowns were already becoming more refined in the early 1900s, but the 1920s and 30s introduced something new and exciting.
The first veneers were created by Hollywood dentist Dr. Charles Pincus to temporarily enhance actors’ smiles on screen. After their invention, the floodgates seemed to open, giving rise to innovations in dental bonding and tooth‑colored composite resins in the 1950s and 60s.
By the 1980s, cosmetic dentistry had become a recognized and booming field with increasing patient demand.
Modern Cosmetic Dentistry
Today’s cosmetic dentistry is a far cry from its origins:
- Digital imaging lets patients preview results before treatment begins.
- Porcelain veneers are thinner, more durable, and more natural-looking than ever.
- Professional teeth whitening breaks down decades of stains in a flash.
- Gum recontouring can reshape a smile with minimally invasive techniques.
- Smile makeovers can combine multiple treatments into a single, cohesive plan tailored specifically to a patient’s goals.
Not only have the results become much better, but the treatments themselves have become safer and more reliable than ever. If you’re ready for a cosmetic transformation yourself, call your dentist. With modern materials at their fingertips, they can help you build a smile you love.
About the Author
Dr. David Nisenboym is a passionate dentist who earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from the University of the Pacific Dental School. After graduation, he completed a residency serving the Pascua Yaqui tribe in Arizona, where he gained hands-on experience across a wide range of specialty procedures. Dr. David enjoys using his skills to help patients achieve brilliant smiles—no ivory or animal teeth required. Call (925) 934-3395 to schedule a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Blue Wave Dental of Walnut Creek or visit our website to learn more about our services.