Cosmetic Dentistry in Ancient Time – Short Review

摘要

Paleoodontological research proved that some form of cosmetic dentistry existed in the ancient time. The intentional dental mutilation, dental decoration and modifications of anterior teeth have been widespread occurrence in many cultures. The facts that there are various names of this phenomenon indicate the different interpretations from the researches of this type of interventions. Although archaeological specimens of modified teeth are usually isolated and damaged they extend our knowledge about ancient nations and human behaviour in the past. The paper describes examples of those interventions in Southeast Asia, Africa, pre-Columbian America and Europe. Phoenicians and Etruscans dental art was described too. It is interesting that different civilizations with no mutual contact and whose cultures are very distinct have developed such similar customs. That could be considered as evidence that sense and need for beauty lies deep within human nature.