Finds in Etruscan tombs suggest that as early as 700 BC. c. partial dentures were used in the present-day territory of Tuscany, Italy.
Some were permanently attached to existing teeth, and others were removable.
The first European sets of dentures date back to the 15th century, although as mentioned above, they existed long before then. The teeth were carved from bone or ivory, or were simply prepared from teeth recovered from cemeteries, since apparently there were dead or even living donors.
Throughout history, as more knowledge has been acquired and techniques have been perfected, the materials with which dental prostheses are manufactured have varied. From primitive replacements with ivory and even natural human and animal teeth, to the most current and innovative materials.
And the most expensive
A set of false teeth from the president of the United States George Washington (1732-99) is insured for ten million dollars. It is currently on display at Mount Vernon, Washington's former home, in Virginia. What was it made of? Made of hippopotamus ivory, among other materials. Modern historians suggest that George Washington lost his teeth at a young age due to the mercury oxide he took to treat diseases such as smallpox and malaria.
The most expensive false teeth sold at auction were the British Prime Minister's wartime dentures. Winston Churchill, which sold for $23,703.
That figure is triple the estimated price, and the bidder took it on July 29, 2010.
The most expensive individual tooth sold at auction, however, was one belonging to John Lennon, the ex-Beatle. On November 5, 2011, the Canadian dentist Michael Zuk He bought this molar for $36,857. Apparently, Lennon had given the tooth to his maid.
–
The news
These are the oldest (and also the most expensive) false teeth
was originally published in
Xataka Science
by
Sergio Parra
.