Vulcanite Dentures, 1850-1940
Item
Title
Vulcanite Dentures, 1850-1940
Date
1850
1940
Description
In 1843, Charles Goodyear patented the rubber vulcanization process, where a natural rubber is mixed with sulfur and heated to high temperatures to create a hardened, but elastic and easily molded substance.
Vulcanite dentures were the most common dentures used from 1850–1940. They ultimately failed due to poor aesthetics—the gums could not replicate natural colors without weakening the material. Still, some patients in Nebraska wore some vulcanite dentures for 50–60 years.
Vulcanite dentures were the most common dentures used from 1850–1940. They ultimately failed due to poor aesthetics—the gums could not replicate natural colors without weakening the material. Still, some patients in Nebraska wore some vulcanite dentures for 50–60 years.
Identifier
#8
Rights
Courtesy of UNMC College of Dentistry, through the support of the Dental Museum Fund and curated by Dr. Stanton D. Harn