Full upper denture, France (?), 1801-1870

Made:
1801-1870 in France
Full upper denture, elephant ivory

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Full upper denture, elephant ivory
Science Museum Group Collection
© The Board of Trustees of the Science Museum

Full upper denture, elephant ivory, showing severe intra oral decay, possibly french, 1801-1870.

Signs of decay are evident in this upper denture. It is made of elephant ivory. Ivory can deteriorate quickly in the mouth. The denture becomes unsightly, foul-smelling and foul-tasting. This denture was possibly made for a woman because of its small size. Dentures of this period were made from materials including ivory, porcelain, aluminum and sometimes human teeth. Ivory dentures were relatively expensive to make. Only wealthy people could afford them.

Details

Category:
Dentistry
Collection:
Sir Henry Wellcome's Museum Collection
Object Number:
A622080
Materials:
ivory (elephant)
Measurements:
overall - previous: 13 mm x 60 mm x 28 mm, .01 kg
overall - current: 15 mm x 57 mm x 42 mm, .004 kg
type:
artificial teeth