Cosmetic dentistry is becoming more popular as the technology and techniques improve and as more people view a healthy white smile as important. However, not everyone opts to have their teeth straightened and whitened. Many hip-hop artists have turned to ‘grills’ as a status symbol and to show off their wealth. If you are not familiar with what they are, think of a gold crown and then imagine it on every tooth. A whole niche industry has grown around these bejeweled mouth guards with some of them now costing hundreds of thousands of dollars. Believe it or not, though, ‘grills’ first appeared around 2500 years ago.
The Mayans began implanting semi-precious stones directly into their teeth as a way of injecting style and color into their lives. They would use a variety of different stones including jade, cinnabar, quartz, and hematite. Once they picked the stones they wanted, a dentist, of sorts, would drill a little depression into their teeth, insert the stone, and use glue to cement them in place. Archeologists who have examined these teeth are impressed by how the drillers were able to drill deep enough to create a secure home for the jewels but not deep enough to hit the pulp in the center.
Archeologists say that nearly half of all Mayans opted for jewels in their mouths. However, unlike today, they were not a status symbol. Anyone was allowed to get them, regardless of gender or their social standing. They have even found a number of royal Mayans that did not have jeweled mouths, indicating that it was more like getting a tattoo than a way of showing off how wealthy you are.
Not only did the Mayans add dazzle to their teeth, they also occasionally filed them into fangs. They felt that this made them more attractive. Generally the older women would use a combination of hard stones and water to file the teeth of the younger members of their family. Much like adding semi-precious stones to their teeth, it is believed that it did not indicate social rank, rather it was purely cosmetic. The Mayans are not the only ones to have filed their teeth, but they are the only ones in history to add gems to their teeth, until today, as it has once again become fashionable among some to walk around with a mouth full of gems.
The practice of adding sparkle to their mouths died away after the conquistadors arrived in America. Like many other traditions, this one was put aside as new ones were adopted. However, as hip-hop becomes more popular, maybe this wild practice will come back.
Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist who uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition to his technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you. Check out our Twitter, Facebook page, and website.
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