When looking at veneers today, they are a popular option for thousands of people who get them every year. They help give you the aesthetic smile you want while lasting for over a decade with proper care, but did you know they were made for only Hollywood stars at first? Over time, this treatment evolved to benefit you today, so here’s a peek into the history of veneers from their 1920s origin to the modern day.
Debut On the Big Screen
In 1928, a Los Angeles dentist, Dr. Charles Pincus, had actors and actresses frequent his practice. As he talked to them, he noticed how they started to be aware of how their teeth looked while on-screen. Wanting to fill a niche, Dr. Pincus created caps that looked lifelike. He put them on the Hollywood star’s teeth, making their smile look aesthetic.
This cosmetic work was made of powdered plastic and porcelain, but it was temporary. They would need to be replaced every few days or taken off right after filming wrapped up.
Dental Techniques Evolving Over Time
Jumping in time to 1959, Dr. Michael Bunocore created a process known as etching. It involved putting a weak acid on teeth, making the surface rougher. This opened the pores without harming the dental structure, so bonding material could get a better hold than before. However, this was only used for restorations at first.
It’ll take nearly 23 years later in 1982 for etching to be used with veneers. Dr. J.R. Calamia and Dr. R.J. Simonsen realized that combining these two treatments helps results last for several years or longer, making them a more viable option.
Toward Modern Veneers
Dentistry has only continued to evolve since then. Treatments have become more effective and reliable, and veneers were not excluded from this! Nowadays, these shells are made of a high-quality material, like porcelain.
A dental lab customizes each one according to the shape, size, and color you want; that way, you feel confident knowing they’ll look incredibly lifelike. With etching and state-of-the-art techniques, you can even enjoy your results for over a decade.
In the end, veneers have come such a long way. They used to be a temporary solution for Hollywood stars to get rid of flaws on their teeth, but you can get them as an affordable and accessible option to get the grin you dream of. That way, you have a red-carpet smile wherever you are.
About the Practice
At Galleria Dentistry, you benefit from a team of skilled dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are happy to help the Naples community get the aesthetic grins they love with treatments like veneers. By customizing your treatment to you, you can trust that your result will look and feel natural by the end. If you want to know how we transform your grin, schedule an appointment by calling our office at (239) 592-5112.