Veneers have been a popular solution to mask aesthetic flaws in our teeth for decades. They’re often considered a staple to achieve the perfect smile that’s part of beauty standards today. We see straight, white smiles on everyone from social media influencers to movie stars to the guy or gal next door. But did you know that veneers were intended for a movie star in the first place? Keep reading to learn more about the history of this popular cosmetic dental solution.
The 1920’s: The First Veneers
The first veneers were fabricated in California by a dentist, Charles Pincus. In 1928 he made temporary veneers to perfect an actor’s smile for a film set. Initially, they were made from acrylic and bonded to the front of the teeth temporarily with a special adhesive. More actors and actresses would use these for brighter smiles during scenes, then remove them afterward.
1930s: New Materials
In the decades following their invention, dentists realized that veneers could be helpful to people from all walks of life. In 1937 porcelain veneers were invented to appeal to a larger crowd. The new material could better match natural teeth and wasn’t as noticeable. Veneers at this time were still considered temporary without a permanent adhesive.
1950’s-1980’s: Strong Bonds
In the late 1950s, Dr. Michael Buonocore introduced a new way to bond veneers to teeth called etching. During this process, acid was applied lightly to the surface of the tooth, resulting in deeper pits and grooves. This allowed the veneers to attach more firmly and stay in place longer.
Then, in 1982, this technique was improved further by the Simonsen and Calamia research group. They discovered that etching with hydrofluoric acid followed by bonding with a composite resin resulted in a practically permanent bond. This method was so effective that it’s still used in dental procedures today!
Veneers Now
Further technological and dental developments have resulted in even more options for those wanting veneers. Unlike in the past, porcelain veneers are now no thicker than the width of a contact lens. They’re also so durable now that they can last up to 20 years with the right care!
If you have been longing for a perfectly straight, white smile, then there’s never been a better time to talk to your dentist about veneers! Start the process now and before you know it, you’ll have a smile to compete with the stars!
About the Practice
At Brown, Reynolds, Snow, LeNoir Dentistry, people of all ages can expect dental services from a team that puts their comfort first. Each of our dentists graduated from the Medical College of Virginia and has dedicated themselves to the care of our patients and community. We have two convenient locations so that it’s convenient for you to make an appointment. If you’d to discuss veneers, you can contact us on our website or by calling (804) 288-5324.