Celluloid

Another notable dentures base material in this period was celluloid, introduced by Smith Hyatt in 1869. (5) Celluloid was originally conceived as a cheap alternative to vulcanite because one needed to obtain a license from the Goodyear Rubber company (1) (who owned the patent) (12) to make vulcanite dentures. However, celluloid dentures were improved over time which gave it distinct qualities beyond simply being a cheap alternative. Celluloid dentures were more adaptable to the mouth’s soft tissues than vulcanite dentures and also possessed colour and texture closer to that of the natural gums. (10)