Modern dentistry is developing rapidly. Nowadays there are practically no unsolvable problems for doctors. But it was not always so.
I made a research on the history of the development of therapeutic, orthodontic, surgical and orthopedic dentistry and found a lot of interesting things.
Let's start with what every home has - oral hygiene items.
#1. Toothbrush
The toothbrush is the oldest invention in dental care: its history dates back to 3500-3000. BC .. Branches of trees with a tousled end were found in the tombs of the Egyptian pharaohs.
In the 15th century, the brush took on a more modern look. In China, they used bristles from the scruff of a wild boar, which were attached to a bamboo or bone handle. The Europeans improved the brushes by replacing the stiff boar bristles with horsehair and bird feathers.
In 1780, the Englishman William Edison first used glue to fix the bristles, and in 1844 the number of rows of bristles was increased to three.
In the 1930s, nylon was invented in America and began to be used to make synthetic bristles. However, despite a better, more reliable and hygienic design, brushes with artificial fibers did not become widespread - the material was too hard. The technology was only improved in 1950.
#2. Toothpaste
The history of toothpaste began in ancient Egypt. In manuscripts dating back to 5000-3000 BC, a recipe for its preparation was discovered. The composition of the paste included wine vinegar, eggshells, pumice and ash obtained by burning the entrails of a bull.
The inhabitants of Ancient China also brushed their teeth, however, the composition of the toothpaste that has come down to our times turned out to be very complex. Scientists were able to identify only a few ingredients: salt, ginseng root and mint herbs.
In Medieval times, it was believed that diseases, including dental ones, were inherited by people for their sins. Dental care was suppressed in every possible way. However, some cleaners still tried to rid their teeth of plaque with a toothpowder from a biscuit that a mouse had nibbled.
The first paste appeared in the middle of the 19th century: its consistency was vaguely similar to the modern one. It consisted of starch, chalk and glycerin. However, such a paste did not become widespread due to the inconvenience of use: it was produced in cans.
American dentist Washington Sheffield is thinking about improving the packaging. On May 22, 1892, the dentist released the first tube paste. The idea was inspired by a familiar artist who kept paints in tin tubes.
Inspired by his invention, Sheffield forgot the main thing: to patent it. This was quickly taken advantage of by the pharmacist Colgate. Replacing tin with aluminum, Colgate received a patent and launched packaging into widespread production: creams, toothpaste, shampoos and much more were packed in tubes.
#3. Tooth fillings
The first fillings mentioned in history were not intended to stop tooth decay and restore its integrity. The ancient Roman physician Cornelius Celsus suggested filling the cavity of the tooth with lead before removing it so that it does not crumble.
The first mention of dental filling for the purpose of treatment was recorded in Ancient Greece in the 2nd century - gold fillings were used there. A 12th century Chinese medical treatise mentions the filling of a tooth cavity with silver.
In 1826, a new filling material was discovered in France - amalgam (a mixture of silver and mercury). Thanks to mercury, the material has become more ductile. However, amalgam has met with resistance from doctors due to its toxicity.
Later, silicate and glass ionomer cements appeared. Many found cement fillings, which made them wait a long time for their hardening. In modern dentistry, cement has been replaced by a composite material.
#4. Drill
The first attempts to get inside the tooth were carried out by the Maya peoples as early as the 9th century BC. The indentations in the teeth were formed using a jade and copper tube. The straw, like a drinking straw, was rotated by the hands of the healer. The abrasive material was crushed quartz.
The prototype of the modern boron appeared in the 17th century. It was invented by the surgeon Cornelius Solingen. The device consisted of a long rod with a faceted handle and a head that could have various shapes. Boron was rotated with the help of the doctor's fingers, making the process laborious and time-consuming. The doctors' fingers were covered with calluses.
In 1846, the American physician Amos Wescott perfected a bur with a sleeve ring that was worn over the doctor's index finger.
At the same time, George Washington's personal dentist, John Greenwood, first used a foot drive, which he borrowed from his mother's spinning wheel.
However, a real full-fledged drill was created by the American dentist James Morrison, who patented the invention in 1871.
#5. Dental implants
The first implants were found on a fragment of the Inca's mandible in what is now Honduras. Artificial roots were made from the shell of a mussel.
For a long time, attempts to create a structure capable of replacing a tooth were unsuccessful. In 1809, a case of installing an implant made of gold was recorded, but it did not take root.
Modern biocompatible implants, which take root in 98% of cases, appeared thanks to the scientist Peru-Ingvar Brannemark. Brannemark studied post-traumatic processes in bone tissue, for which he introduced an optical chamber with a titanium body into the bone of experimental animals. In the course of experiments, the scientist found that the camera body is firmly fused with the bone tissue. So, unexpectedly for himself, Brannemark invented dental implants.
The first patient who decided to try out the new technology was Gosta Larson. At the age of 34, Larson lost all teeth in his lower jaw. He had difficulty eating and speaking. Having learned about the possibility of returning the teeth, the patient no doubt came to Brannemark.
Larson was installed 4 implants with prosthetics. And the operation was successful: the man lived a long, fulfilling life with implants.
Despite the successful experience, the technology has not been widely used for a long time. Brannemark was attacked. The dental society did not accept his research: the scientist did not have a dentist's education.
Implantation gained confidence only in the 90s, after lengthy clinical studies and trials.
#6. Removable dentures
The oldest removable denture was found by archaeologists in Egypt, in the tomb of Pharaoh Chephres. It was made of wood. It is not known whether the prosthesis was used during life or was made posthumously.
Wooden prostheses have been used for a long time: historians mention wooden prostheses among the inhabitants of China, medieval Europe and Japan.
In the 18th century, the French physician Pierre Fauchard invented a new system for attaching removable dentures using springs. Even the first President of the United States, George Washington, wore prostheses of this design.
Dentistry owes a lot to Dr. Fauchard. He did a lot of research and revolutionized the field of dental prosthetics. Thanks to his work, 19th century dentists learned to use rubber as a material for prostheses. The use of wood was quickly abandoned.
The materials were improved. In the 19th and 20th centuries, a variety of modern removable dentures appeared.
#6. Braces
Remember that same Pierre Fauchard, who invented a new system for fixing removable dentures? Fauchard's services to dentistry are not limited to prostheses and crowns.
It was Pierre Fauchard who in 1728 created the first prototype of braces, which was a metal plate in the shape of a horseshoe.
Later, in 1880, the first ever orthodontist appeared: Norman Kingsley. He was a dentist and artist, and his pursuit of beauty led him to the science of beautiful smiles. Kingsley was the first to use extraoral traction to correct bite.
The first non-removable braces owe their appearance to Edward Angle. Throughout his life, the American dentist has perfected his invention and created the mechanism of action of braces, which is still used today.
By the way, braces came to Russia only after the collapse of the USSR.
#7. Aligners
The history of aligners dates back to the 1940s. Dentist Harold Kesling invented a rubber positioner that could move teeth slightly. The doctor used it in the final stages of bite correction, as well as after treatment as a retainer.
In the 1960s, thermoforming technology was first used for the manufacture of caps. And 10 years later, an American scientist invented 3D modeling technology.
However, active study of the process began only in the 1990s. The British company Essex made the model from plaster. It was sawn into fragments, plaster teeth were displaced and fixed on wax. In this form, mouthguards were made.
The revolution took place in 1997 when students Zia Christie and Kelsey Wirst came up with technology for moving teeth on a digital model. In the same year, Invisalign was formed, the first and best-known manufacturer of aligners. Invisalign patented the technology until 2008.
Until the expiration of the patent, the technology was not used in Russia. But after 2008 aligners became available in our country as well. However, orthodontists had to travel abroad and order aligners, which made the process costly and affordable for not every patient.
In modern realities, aligners have become much more budgetary: many clinics order mouth guards from Russian manufacturers or make them on their own.
#8. Veneers
The term "Hollywood Smile?" directly related to the history of veneers. Previously, perfect teeth, given not by nature, were available only to the stars of the screens.
The year is 1928. Hollywood. The film industry is developing rapidly. But here's the trouble: when shooting close-ups, the smallest imperfections in the appearance of the actors are visible. Smiling is no exception.
The solution was found by Charles Pincus, a French-born Californian dentist. He proposed to fix ceramic plates on the teeth of the stars of the screens.
Due to the imperfection of the Hollywood Laminates technology - this is the name given to the first veneers - they did not hold firmly. They were installed for a short filming period.
For 50 years, veneers have been used exclusively in the film industry. Everything changed in the early 80s, when researchers Robert Simonsen and John Kalamia drew attention to the technology. They found that with the use of composite materials and the technique of etching the contact surfaces, it is possible to fix the veneers for a long time.
Modern dentistry has made great strides forward. This branch of medicine is developing rapidly. However, it is always interesting to know how it all started.