Silver Screens to Everyday Smiles: A Brief History of Veneers

In modern times, veneers are a popular and relatively common procedure that thousands of people get every year. However, the aesthetic results that they show off are only made better because of the history behind this treatment. They used to be exclusive to the big screen, but here’s more about how they became the accessible and reliable service they are now.

Wanting to Shine Bright Under Flashing Lights

In 1928, Charles Pincus was a dentist based in Los Angeles. His clientele consisted of several Hollywood stars, and he noticed they were becoming more aware of how their smile looked during filming. He wanted to give them a solution, so he then thought of an early version of veneers.

Dr. Pincus made them out of powdered plastic and porcelain, but they were only a temporary treatment. These coverings would snap onto the teeth of actors and actresses, but they didn’t last for very long. They’d be taken off after shooting wrapped up or replaced every few days or so.

Advancements in Dental Techniques

Fast forward to the 1950s, Dr. Michael Bunocore made another leap in dentistry with a process called etching. It was designed to roughen the surface of a tooth and open the natural pores with an acidic solution. This allowed for bonding material to adhere better and hold restorations in place for several years longer. However, this wasn’t used for cosmetic treatments like veneers until 1982.

Modern Veneers Starting to Emerge

Over time, this service has only continued to evolve and become more refined. Nowadays, these shells are often made of high-quality porcelain. This helps them blend into your smile more easily as it can reflect light similarly while also being shaded and colored to match. A dental lab works to ensure it looks great, so once they are bonded on, they can last for over a decade with the proper care.

Better yet, the process of getting veneers has become more streamlined. Using state-of-the-art technology, your dentist will first prepare your teeth and take impressions. Then, skilled artisans will craft your results and send them back to your dentist after about two weeks.

You’ll be back to have them bonded on, and then you’re all set to show off your results! It just takes two appointments that are just a couple of weeks apart to get your final look. After all is said and done, you’ll have your own red-carpet smile that lasts much longer compared to past veneers.

About the Author

Dr. Joe Kern earned his dental degree from The Ohio State University. He has over 22 years of experience, which he uses to give the Grafton community the high-quality care they deserve. By helping you get the perfect grin you love with cosmetic dentistry, you can boost your confidence with options like veneers. If you are interested in this treatment for yourself, schedule an appointment or call his office at (701) 352-2013.