When you dig through the portals of history, you may not think about how the dental services used today have changed over time. You likely assume that restorations, such as dental crowns, have always looked the way they do now, but this is not necessarily the case. Even their usage has evolved. If you would like to learn more about how these custom caps came to be, keep reading.
Where It All Began: The Early Years of Dental Crowns
If you go back as far as 200 A.D., it is believed that the Etruscans, who lived in Tuscany, Italy, were the first to use dental crowns. Instead of being made out of porcelain, they were crafted from gold, ivory, bone, and human teeth.
Since gold was a symbol of wealth during this time, many women had their healthy teeth removed by goldsmiths so that dental crowns could be placed. Although they were used more for aesthetic instead of restorative purposes, they lacked the durability needed to remain stable.
As centuries passed and dentistry advanced, practitioners turned to extraction rather than a dental crown when a tooth was damaged or decayed. It was believed this was a better solution – a decision that is strongly discouraged today.
Growing Closer to the 20th Century
By the mid-1700s, dentistry had spread from England to America, driven by advances in science and education.
In the late 1800s, dental crowns were no longer made solely of gold; instead, Dr. Charles H. Land discovered the beauty and stability of porcelain. Designed to cover a broken tooth, the crown created a virtually flawless appearance while allowing the tooth to function normally. Unfortunately, it was found that the porcelain jacket crown was prone to minor cracking, leading to tooth and gum problems.
With the arrival of the 20th century, researchers discovered the benefits of fusing porcelain to metal crowns. Patients experienced durable, natural-looking results once these restorations were placed, allowing for improved use and aesthetics.
Synthetic crowns made of glass and ceramics were introduced in 1984, which led to what dentists normally use in today’s practices.
Dental Crowns of Today
Nowadays, when you arrive at your dentist’s office to receive a dental crown, you can expect it to be made of porcelain, metal, or both. While many patients prefer the former option because of its lifelike appearance, lab technicians can create these restorations using advanced imaging as a model for superior fit and comfort.
Dental crowns have come a long way, but thankfully, if your dentist believes you might benefit from these restorations, you can remain confident that you’re receiving the highest-quality materials to restore your smile.
About the Author
Superior service and results are what you can expect at Peak Dental Care. Led by Dr. Nicholas Baioni, our team offers reliable restorations to protect vulnerable teeth while also restoring a patient’s ability to eat and speak with greater ease. Dr. Baioni’s educational background and professional experience allow him to tailor each person’s treatment plan to their specific needs, so everyone walks away with a healthier, stronger, more natural-looking smile. If you have questions about your dental crown, visit our website or call (479) 488–6288 to schedule an appointment.