It’s the most wonderful time of the year. It’s that time when turkeys are in the oven, when the infamous green bean casserole is on the menu, and when pumpkin pie makes dessert complete the Thanksgiving season is upon us. In addition to being thankful for all of the delicious food, I’m particularly thankful for modern oral hygiene and technology. Without it, could you imagine what our oral health looks like? I can’t exactly imagine it, but let’s take a look at what dental care looked like before, what it looks like now and give thanks!
Dental Care: Then & Now
- Teeth Whitening
Then – From the beginning, white teeth was a sign of beauty and wealth. Ancient Romans used goat milk to keep their teeth white and Egyptians made a whitening paste using ground pumice stone and white vinegar.
Now – There are many options ranging from at-home whitening systems to professional-grade teeth bleaching that are safe and scientifically-proven to whiten teeth. - Dental Implants
Then – Early signs of a dental implant is dated back to thousands of years ago. Archaeologists found carved stones (like jade) in the skull that looked like they were used to replace missing teeth.
Now – Because it was discovered to have a unique property that allows it to fuse safely with the jawbone, titanium is the primary material used in dental implant procedures. - Invisalign
Then – The only option for straightening teeth was to get metal braces. They’re bulky, irritable, and could take as long as 5 years, depending on the individual’s case.
Now – When wearing Invisalign, it’s hardly noticeable. They are custom-made, removable, only requires a few trips to the dental office, and only take 6 months to 1 year to align your teeth.
Learn more about Invisalign clear aligners
Through technology and innovation, we are able to give people their perfect smiles safely and successfully. Now that’s something to be thankful for, right? If you would like to schedule a consultation, contact us at Lakeway Cosmetic Dentistry today!