Veneers are the secret behind many of the perfect smiles that you see in magazines and movies. They’re certainly a very popular option for enhancing grins nowadays, but many people don’t give a lot of thought to just how much they have changed over the years. To help give you a deeper appreciation for how far veneers have come, here’s a quick look at the history of the treatment.
The Introduction of Veneers
Veneers were initially invented in 1928 by a dentist named Charles Pincus. They were effectively part of an actor’s costume for a film shoot. Unlike the modern versions, the veneers provided by Dr. Pincus weren’t intended to last for years; they were attached with a temporary adhesive, and they were only worn for up to a couple of hours at a time.
The Discovery of Etching
Over the next three decades, veneers became popular among actors and actresses, and many dentists realized they could be used to help members of the general public improve their grins. However, the next big advancement for veneers wasn’t until 1959, when Dr. Michael Buonocore invented etching. This process helps create a stronger bonding surface on the teeth – a significant step forward for attaching veneers and various kinds of dental restorations.
Important Breakthroughs in the 1980s
In 1982, R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia decided to take Dr. Buonocore’s etching technique and see how it could be used to improve the longevity of veneers. They found that by using hydrofluoric acid to prepare the teeth, they could help the adhesives used for attaching veneers form a more permanent bond with the enamel. Thanks to this advancement, it was now possible for patients to keep their veneers for several years at a time.
What are Veneers Like Today?
The etching and bonding techniques developed in 1982 are still in use to this day. On top of that, modern veneers are made out of high-quality porcelain. There are several aesthetic advantages to using porcelain. Not only can it closely match the appearance of your natural teeth, but it can also resist stains. On top of that, veneers that receive the right kind of care can potentially last for decades.
When you decide to have veneers placed, you can rest assured that you are choosing a time-tested method for creating more dazzling smiles. Get in touch with your dentist today to set up a consultation. Based on the changes you want to make, they can determine whether or not veneers are the ideal cosmetic treatment in your particular case.
About the Author
Dr. Ramona Rivera went to the NYU School of Dentistry. She is a proud member of many dental organizations, including the American Academy of Cosmetic and Aesthetic Dentistry. She has plenty of experience when it comes to using veneers to correct chipped teeth, dental stains, and other cosmetic imperfections. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Rivera at RnR Dentistry in Fair Oaks, visit her website or call (916) 967-2217.