When you think about false teeth or dentures it is very easy to assume they’re a modern invention. But in reality, people have been replacing missing teeth for centuries! It has not only been everyday folks that replaced missing teeth. Some of history’s most iconic leaders and even today’s biggest celebrities have relied on dentures, dental implants or veneers to maintain their famous smiles.  At Christina Brinda DDS in North Canton, we love helping our patients achieve the same kind of confidence. In this blog we will take a look at some famous celebrities and historical figures whose smiles weren’t as “natural” as you might think.

Historical Figures with Famous “False Teeth”

George Washington

Perhaps the most famous denture wearer of all time, the first U.S. President battled severe dental problems. Contrary to legend, his teeth weren’t wooden they were made from a mix of human teeth, animal ivory (including hippopotamus), metal, and springs. Washington’s discomfort reminds us how far dental technology has come.

Winston Churchill

Britain’s wartime Prime Minister had dentures crafted specifically to preserve his distinctive speaking style and lisp. He even carried a spare pair with him at all times, showing how important dental prosthetics were to his public presence.

Florence Nightingale

The “Lady with the Lamp” and pioneer of modern nursing also wore dentures. Given the era’s limited dental tools, her experience likely wasn’t as comfortable as what patients enjoy today.

Paul Revere

Known for his midnight ride, Revere was also a skilled silversmith and one of the first American dentists. He not only made dentures but also reportedly wore them himself. Below you will see a partial denture attributed to Paul Revere.

piece of three teeth in a dental implant

Partial denture attributed to Paul Revere. Photo by Ruaidhri Crofton

Modern Celebrities and Their Dental Secrets

Today, dental solutions are more discreet than ever. While many celebrities opt for implants or porcelain veneers, some have used removable dentures.  These temporary dentures are made sometimes after an injury or for a role.

Clark Gable (Hollywood legend)

Lost most of his teeth in his 30s and wore dentures for the rest of his career. His megawatt smile was thanks to dentistry.

Janis Joplin (singer)

Famously wore partial dentures after losing teeth as a teen.

Catherine Zeta-Jones (actress)

Has spoken openly about veneers to perfect her smile.

Tom Cruise (actor)

Known for extensive cosmetic dental work, including veneers, to create his signature grin.

Ben Affleck & Demi Moore

Both have had veneers to restore and enhance their teeth.

The secrecy around celebrity dental work means we rarely know all the details; but that’s the point. Modern dental care is so advanced that most people never notice.

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From Past to Present: The Evolution of Dentures

The journey from crude ivory and metal devices to today’s natural looking dentures, implants, and veneers is remarkable. What hasn’t changed is the universal desire for a healthy, confident smile.

At Christina Brinda DDS, we specialize in helping patients achieve exactly that. Whether you’re exploring full dentures, partials, or implant-supported options, our team provides personalized, compassionate care tailored to your needs.

📞 Call our North Canton office today at (330) 498-0668 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Christina Brinda. Your new smile could be every bit as radiant as Hollywood’s best or history’s most iconic.