Nowadays, veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that thousands of people get and love. However, before this, they were exclusive to Hollywood stars. These shells helped their smiles look great on the big screen, but how did this service evolve to become both more affordable and accessible than ever before? Here’s a quick look at the history of veneers from the 1920s to modern times.
Lights, Cameras, and a Hollywood Start
As was mentioned above, veneers got their beginnings in front of cameras in 1928. Charles Pincus, a dentist in Los Angeles, had a loyal following of Hollywood stars in his practice. He noticed they started to be self-conscious about how they looked on-screen, particularly about their smiles.
Dr. Pincus then created tooth-like caps for the actors and actresses, which helped make their grins look more aesthetic. These sheaths were made from powdered plastic and porcelain, but they were only temporary. They’d need to be taken off after filming or replaced every few days.
How Dental Techniques Evolved
It wasn’t until around the 1950s that a longer-lasting solution was created by Dr. Michael Bunocore, which was etching. This process would help make the surface of a tooth rougher by opening the natural pores in enamel with an acidic solution.
This created tags and tunnels on teeth, allowing bonding material or dental cement to hold on better than before. While this was used mainly for restoration during this time, in 1982, it was combined with veneers.
Modern Veneers Taking a Stand
As decades went by, dentistry continued to evolve. This has benefited many treatments available, and veneers weren’t excluded! These shells are now made from a high-quality material, typically porcelain. They are customized to you, so the shape and color will be matched to your smile. Not only that, but with the proper care, they can even last over a decade!
Now, when you choose to get this cosmetic service, you enjoy a more streamlined process. It’s done in about two visits; the first is preparing your teeth and taking impressions. A dental lab will perfect your veneers and then send them back to your dentist. Afterward, you’ll be back in the chair and have them bonded on. This whole process takes about a couple of weeks, but in the end, you can show off a red-carpet-ready smile you love.
About the Practice
At Brite Smiles, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Sivan Patel and Dr. Amir Danesh Sani. We are here to help the Des Plaines community get the perfect grins they feel confident in with cosmetic treatments like veneers. Through a consultation, we can help make sure your results are what you want; that way, they look and feel just like natural. If you are interested in transforming your teeth, schedule an appointment or call our office at (847) 297-0808.
