For practically as long as humans have existed, they have come up with all sorts of creative ideas to make themselves beautiful. Ancient civilizations did seemingly crazy things to make their teeth beautiful — some even used urine to get rid of dental stains! Thanks to advancements in science, modern patients have much safer ways to beautify their smiles, including veneers. Where did the idea for veneers come from, and how have they evolved over the decades? This blog post provides a glimpse into their history.
Veneers for Movie Stars
Veneers got their start in the 1920s, when a dentist named Charles Pincus first came up with the idea. His innovation started with the realization that movie stars of the time were becoming ever more aware of their appearance on-screen, including their teeth!
To satisfy their desire for picture-perfect smiles, Pincus worked alongside the Factor brothers (from the famous Max Factor company) to develop a mixture of porcelain and powdered plastic. When shaped like teeth, they could disguise all sorts of aesthetic flaws.
Unfortunately, this earliest manifestation of veneers was temporary. At the time, no bonding agent was available that could permanently secure veneers onto teeth.
Advancements in Dental Cements
In the 1950s, Dr. Michael Bunocore pioneered a technique known as etching, which uses an acidic solution to open the natural pores in tooth enamel. This created a greater surface area for dental cement to adhere to, which could create a stronger bond between teeth and their restorations.
Later, the work of R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia led to the combination of etching and veneers. In 1982, veneers started to become a more practical solution for cosmetic patients.
Modern Veneers
Since the 1980s, veneers have become a standard cosmetic treatment; they are available in the majority of dental offices. Innovations in technology have made the process better than ever, leading to natural-looking results that stand the test of time. In fact, veneers have a reputation for lasting 10 – 15 years or even longer~
Veneers have come a long way since the 1920s, and they are no longer just for movie stars! Talk to your dentist if you have questions about this transformative treatment.
Veneers South Windsor
Dr. Sara Curcio is a general and cosmetic dentist who is proud to offer veneers and other treatments to the South Windsor community. She has nearly 20 years of experience in her field, and she loves to help patients fall in love with their smiles! To learn more about her and how our team may be able to serve you, contact South Windsor Dental at 860-644-2476.