In 1815, at the Battle of Waterloo, Napoleon was defeated.
The lifeless bodies of some 50,000 soldiers were left on the battlefield. Most of these soldiers were young and healthy (synonymous with healthy teeth). Before burying them, they pulled out their teeth. Most dental pieces went to the “English market”. These types of prostheses were called
“Waterloo Teeth”.
For several years, all prostheses made with human teeth continued to be called that way, regardless of their origin. At that time, it was considered a luxury to wear a “Waterloo Teeth”. (Merletti).
