DENTURES MADE FROM DEAD PEOPLE'S TEETH! - Backstory on Dentures, Implants, Prices

The story of dentures is not for the faint of heart!

Here's the incredible story of the origins of dentures, the discovery of the dental implant and mini implants (4 on 1)

The pre-Roman Etruscans of Northern Italy made what are considered the first dentures out of human or animal teeth in approximately 1000 BC. 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 18th 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 - from dead soldiers were quite fashionable in the 19th Century

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 extracted 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.  (continue on next page)

What your car tires and your dentures have in common

Charles Goodyear’s (the auto tire magnate) discovery of vulcanized rubber revolutionized  dentures. This product can be molded to fit the mouth and the denture mounted properly.

1952 marks the origins of dental implants where an orthopedic surgeon discovered osseointegration. With a titanium cylinder inserted into bone to study bone healing, he noted the titanium grew into the bone. This discovery became the basis for the dental implant.

Quality implants by pioneer dental implant brands such as Nobel Biocare can last 20 years to a lifetime. Dental implants can cost from $4,000 to $6,000 complete with implants, abutment and crown in most Western developed nations versus $2100 to $2600 in developing nations such as Mexico and even less in the Philippines according to a 2015 survey by the Board Certified Mexico Dentist Association’.   

The cost differential being largely due to the lower cost of living and clinic overhead in the the developing nations. The cost to the dentist for a name brand dental implant is the same everywhere.

Less expensive off-brands are available for a little less but often only last 6-8 years. The additional investment in quality generally outweighs any potential savings from budget non-branded units. Who wants to go back into surgery to have their failed off-brand implant replaced after several years?

Photo: 4 on 1 Prosthesis

In recent years mini implant secured dentures and 4 on 1 prosthesis have become popular money saving alternatives to the expense of having all dental implants. Again the cost is substantially less in dental tourism destination countries such as Mexico, the Philippines, Thailand and India.

You can obtain Free estimates, 2nd opinions, dentist credential checks and referrals from Certified Dentists in Mexico, Asia and Eastern Europe.  

Visit: Certified Doctors & Dentists Internationale'

Author: Dr. Cristina Terrado

Medical & Dental Patient Adviser

Certified Doctors & Dentists Internationale'

email: dr.cristina.boardcertified@gmail.com

Doctor Terrado welcomes your comments or questions.

This article may be shared, copied, and reposted so long as the original author's name, and all links remain intact. Copyright all Rights Reserved by Board Certified Mexico Dentist Association and Certified Doctors & Dentists Internationale'

follow: all on 1, dentures,denture history,dr. christina terrado, mexico dental tourism news, mexico dental travel, cosmetic dentistry, cosmetic dentist, oral surgeon mexico, board certified mexico dentists, certified dentists in Mexico, tijuana board certified dentist, puerto vallarta certified dentist, puerto vallarta dental implant,mini implant, 4 on 1, alternatives dentures, wooden teeth dentures, famous dentures,prices of dentures mexico,dental implant price mexico,canada dentures,dentures toronto,vancouver bc,australia dentures,dentures sydney,melbourne, brisbane,manila dentures, price of dentures, dentures in mexico, affordable dentures