Clark’s Champion Heater for Celluloid Dentures, 1876
Item
Title
Clark’s Champion Heater for Celluloid Dentures, 1876
Date
1876
Description
Celluoid, developed by John W. Hyatt in 1868, was the first synthetic plastic. From 1870–1890, it was used to craft dentures, but fell from favor because of its unpleasant odors and a failure to hold the desired shape. During processing, denture flasks were placed in heaters like this one where the flask was compressed. Heat was supplied from an external Bunsen burner-type apparatus.
Identifier
#6
Rights
Courtesy of UNMC College of Dentistry, through the support of the Dental Museum Fund and curated by Dr. Stanton D. Harn