Not your grandfather’s dentures: Indianapolis patients benefit from natural-looking dentures

Most people have heard stories of George Washington and his “wooden teeth”. History actually identifies these primitive dentures as being made of human and animal teeth, elephant ivory, and lead.

Wooden teeth can be traced back to before the American Civil War. Considered an extreme luxury at that time, dentures were typically made from a wooden base into which “teeth”, carved from bone or ivory, were inserted. They were designed by craftspeople, not medical professionals, and were poorly-fit and highly uncomfortable.

Charles Goodyear, of the Goodyear Tire Company, is credited with perfecting the use of vulcanite, a soft rubber that could be molded to a patient’s mouth and then hardened. The prosthetic teeth were made from porcelain and the gums were colored to appear more natural.

Dentures remain a viable and affordable option for patients who are missing all or some of their teeth. While the prevalence of complete or partial tooth loss has significantly declined since the 1970s, it is still a common condition, impacting an estimated 40 million Americans. According to national research, nearly 30 percent of adults over the age of 65 have lost all of their teeth.

Dr. Matthew Church, an experienced doctor of dental surgery (DDS) and leader of Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis understands how the loss of teeth can impair a patient’s confidence, ability to eat comfortably or speak clearly, and overall appearance. Our team offers several solutions for patients who are suffering from tooth loss, including dental implants, dental bridges, and full or partial dentures.

Today’s dentures are made from a variety of natural-looking materials and are custom-fitted for maximum comfort.

Washington Street Dentistry serves patients of all ages and stages of life, from Indianapolis and nearby communities such as Lawrence, Anderson, Cumberland, New Palestine, Greenfield, East Indianapolis, and beyond. To help our patients achieve the highest levels of continuity of care and customer service, we provide a complete array of family, pediatric, cosmetic, general, surgical, emergency, and reconstructive dentistry.

More information about dentures and treatment for tooth loss may be obtained by calling our friendly staff at today.

Find out what modern dentures can do for you! Washington Street Dentistry in Indianapolis can help to restore your smile. Call us today at (317) 333-6788.

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