Nature Versus Denture: An Ontology of Dental Prostheses. Issue 2 (3rd May 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Ansari, Iman
• Is Part Of: Architectural theory review. Volume 21:Issue 2(2016)
• Page Start: 114
• Page End: 148
• Publication Date: 2016-05-03
• Subjects: Anthropology -- architecture -- dental prosthesis -- design -- history of science and technology -- architectural theory; Architecture -- Periodicals; Architecture -- Australia -- Periodicals; 720.1
• DOI: 10.1080/13264826.2017.1283339
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1326-4826

Abstract

Abstract : Between 1922 and 1950, a growing interest in mechanical principles led to the emergence of a range of non-anatomic dentures that aimed to eliminate the disadvantages of their anatomic counterparts in favour of better mastication efficiency, stability, comfort, and durability. This paper investigates why the development of these non-anatomic prostheses came to a halt. In doing so, it analyses a range of cultural and anthropological factors concerned with dental morphology, and concludes that the concept of who we are and what makes us human —our identity, personality, language, culture, or technology—no longer rests within the bounds of our material body, but in the non-material world we have created. And that the social, cultural, and technological systems we have built outside of us have as much influence over our physical and anatomical attributes as we did in shaping them.