Tooth shade guide, England, 1890-1910

Shade guide, for porcelain teeth, 24 (of 25) samples in circular nickel plated frame, by the Dental Manufacturing Co., England, 1890-1910

When false teeth or caps are made, dentists try to match the colour of the new tooth to the rest of their patient’s teeth. Made by the Dental Manufacturing Co, this shade guide was used for porcelain teeth and shows 24 slightly different colours. Over the years, a range of materials has been used to make false teeth, including ivory, porcelain and mother of pearl – some patients even had dentures made from donated human teeth. Today, false teeth are made from acrylic.