As I continue my mini-expeditions and my studies abroad in England, I've come across a number of hidden gems in the nation where it seems to rain everyday, relentlessly, despite my being from California ...
Just yesterday on the program sponsored trip to the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (don't you wish HMS had a museum?) I came across a few eye er mouth-catching exhibits. Naturally, the Royal College of Surgeons had to be in possession of the dentures of Winston Churchill, the man who led Great Britain during WWII. Even more naturally, the great man's dentures had to be one of the most stunning set of dentures I've ever laid eyes upon (pics below).
Interestingly, it's important to note that Churchill had either a stutter or a lisp, and that his dentures were fashioned to help overcome his impediment, not to mention help with mastication and self-esteem. That's proof to you folks who think that dentistry is mainly for the aesthetics! Perhaps King George VI too could have invested in a set a la The King's Speech. Just imagine watching a movie called The King's Dentures ...
"Partial upper denture, with gold base, platinum clasps and mineral teeth, made for and worn by Sir Winston Churchill, c. 1941
Dentures like these are normally made to fit as closely as possible to the palate of the wearer. Churchill's denture was different. To compensate for his natural lisp his was designed to leave a gap between the plate and the roof of his mouth, thereby enabling him to maintain his distinctive speaking style. Churchill's dentures were designed by his dentist, Wilfred Fish and made by Fish's dental technician, Derek Cudlipp."
And here are the pics folks! (click to enlarge)
Absolutely stunning! Now who wouldn't want a gold and platinum-laced mouth?
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