Veneers are the open secret behind the flawless smiles of many movie stars and media personalities, but these amazing devices have not always been the practical and long-lasting cosmetic appliances we know today. In fact, they were originally designed as part of a costume and would not last for more than a few hours. Here’s a brief guide to how veneers have evolved into an amazing aesthetic dental solution that can completely transform a smile in as few as two appointments.
1928: The Year Dental Veneers Got Their Start in Hollywood
In 1928, Dr. Charles Pincus developed the first iteration of dental veneers as a way to alter the smiles of actors on Hollywood movie sets. However, these appliances were only temporarily attached to the teeth with adhesive, and they fit too loosely to be used during the chewing process. When the crew was done shooting for the day, the actor would simply remove them before going home.
The 1950s to the 1980s: An Era of Advances in Adhesives
In the 1950s, Dr. Michael Bunocore developed a process called etching that led to superior bonding results for dental sealants and restorations. This process involved applying a layer of acid to open the pores of the enamel and create more surface area for the adhesive to bond with. Drs. R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia innovated the use of etching in cosmetic dentistry, which led to the development of practical cosmetic dental veneers in 1982.
Modern Veneers: A Triumph of Cosmetic Dental Technology
Today, veneers are a safe and comfortable way to address a host of cosmetic dental defects like chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and misshapenness, and they can completely transform a smile in as few as two appointments. The process of placing them involves removing a small amount of enamel from the teeth being treated to make room before cementing beautiful and lifelike restorations upon them. This process is rendered completely painless by local anesthetics, and you’ll receive detailed aftercare instructions to help ensure a complication-free recovery.
Veneers have come a long way over the past century. Consulting with your dentist can help you find out if these incredible cosmetic appliances can be an excellent solution for you.
About the Author
Dr. Parul Vashisht (“Dr. V”) earned her dental degree at the UC San Francisco School of Dentistry before completing clinical mastery courses. She is proud to be a member of the Texas Academy of General Dentistry and the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry. Her office in Frisco offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To schedule your consultation for veneers, contact her on the web or dial (469) 731-0391.