Story Behind Inventors and Inventions False Teeth

About the origins, history and story behind the scenes of the inventor and invention of false teeth.

Extraordinary Stories behind Ordinary Objects That Had to Be Invented by Someone

Invention: False teeth

Inventors: The Etruscans

Year: Around 700 B.C.

How Invented: The Etruscans were the most skilled dentists of the ancient world. They succeeded in making partial dentures around 700 B.C. The early false teeth were carved from bone or ivory or were taken from the mouths of young cattle and held together with gold bands.

In the 18th century a Parisian dentist named Pierre Fauchard made upper and lower sets joined with steel springs. This kept the upper set in position but gave the wearer problems when he tried to close his mouth.

Porcelain teeth were introduced into the U.S. in 1785, by Dr. John Greenwood of New York City. George Washington was one of his patients.