Page 11 - Amazing Smiles

photo 2 Cosmetic Dentistry from the Beginning
photo 3
By the 18th century, false teeth made of ivory and
human teeth were in widespread use among the
aristocracy. These advances were advertised in
local newspapers. (See photo 3)

Cosmetic dental procedures aimed at
improving smiles continued to be performed dur-
ing the 18th and 19th centuries. In 1789 the very
first American born dentist, Dr. Isaac Greenwood,
placed advertisements in the Boston newspaper,
The Continental Journal advertising his cosmetic
dental procedures. His son, Dr. John Greenwood,
who later became famous for being George
Washington’s dentist, advertised his tooth trans-
plant procedure as well. By the early 20th century,
dental materials and techniques improved, bringing
costs down and making cosmetic dentistry avail-
able to the growing middle class. More people
could now take advantage of cosmetic dental pro-
cedures. As demand for these procedures
increased, many dentists started to devote their
entire practice to cosmetic dentistry. These profes-
sionals became known as cosmetic dentists.

With the establishment of the American
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry and the growing
popularity of cosmetic prodedures, cosmetic den-
tistry became a focal point in American culture.
As 20th century culture evolved, new emphasis
was placed on beauty and appearance. Nowhere
else was it noted more than in the American

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