If you value your smile, then you’ve likely heard of veneers. These unique shells can revamp your teeth so your grin looks gorgeous! That said, do you know the history of dental veneers? They’ve actually been around for a while – nearly a hundred years by current estimates. Furthermore, the shells didn’t start as the amazing cosmetic upgrade they are now. Your Taylor dentist will happily tell you more if you’d like. So, here’s a brief look at veneers’ history over the decades.
Origins in the Roaring Twenties
As it turns out, veneers weren’t created in some isolated locale. They were invented in 1928 by Charles Pincus, a California dentist working in Hollywood. He made the porcelain layers so actors would have better smiles for their films.
Still, these initial veneers didn’t provide lasting benefits. Dr. Pincus used a short-acting adhesive to keep them on the affected teeth. In little time, they’d eventually fall off.
Stumbling in the Great Depression
In the 1930s and 40s, veneers’ design changed very little. Pincus developed acrylic models in 1937 but depended on the same unstable adhesive. They still couldn’t help peoples’ smiles permanently.
However, the popularity of veneers greatly improved. Once the public knew the Hollywood elite used them, it also wanted the shells. This shift led dentists to make veneers from porcelain and composite materials.
Mid-Century Etching
Really, the next big veneer breakthrough was in 1959. It was then that Dr. Michael Bunocore invented etching — a way to create porous surfaces for restorations. By applying mild acid to enamel, the process formed deeper pits and grooves on teeth.
Granted, this invention wasn’t used with veneers until decades later. Only in 1982 did the Simonsen and Calamia Research Group apply Bunocore’s etching process to their work. From there, they proposed using dental etch and bonding resins to improve veneers’ longevity. Patients could then keep the shells in place for years at a time.
Today’s Modern Veneers
In the present day, dentists still use the same etchant and bonding techniques. The difference is that these methods are used on veneers with dental-grade porcelain. As such, treatment results now look highly lifelike and last as long as 30 years.
Of course, dentists aren’t resting just yet. Industry experts believe new tools will create stronger, lighter, and better-fitting veneers. The thought is that computer and chemical technology will advance in years to come.
Clearly, the history of dental veneers is deeper than most know. Given this fact, then, remember the points above so you can better appreciate this excellent dental service!
About the Practice
Taylor Choice Dental is based in Taylor, TX. Led by its four amazing and experienced dentists, our practice embodies safe and effective dentistry. To that end, we offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative services, as well as emergency dental procedures. Our team also provides amazing TMJ therapy and sedation dentistry services. For more details or to book a visit, you can reach us on our website or by phone at (737)-301-8555.