If you picture veneers, Chicklet-looking teeth might come to mind; however, they’ve undergone many improvements over the years. In fact, many of your favorite celebrities have veneers, like Miley Cyrus, Katy Perry, Tom Cruise, and Demi Moore. Although you might believe porcelain veneers are a fairly new treatment, they date back to 1928. Here’s how they’ve evolved over the generations to become one of the most preferred cosmetic procedures in modern dentistry.
Porcelain Veneers Throughout History
Today, a veneer is a thin shell bonded over the front surface of a tooth to instantly improve its color, size, and shape, but it didn’t always look as it does today. Here’s how veneers have changed throughout time to help patients from all walks of life achieve a red-carpet smile:
1928: The Beginning
The first veneer was used by actor Charles Pincus during a costume change for a film shoot. It was attached to a tooth using a removable adhesive. Over time, an acrylic material was used to make them last a while longer; however, they were easily damaged, so they needed to be replaced frequently.
1959: Enhanced Durability
Dr. Michael Buonocore invented etching in 1959, which is a method that’s still used for a variety of restorative and cosmetic procedures, including porcelain veneers. The process of removing a small amount of enamel creates a more porous surface. A weak acid is applied to the tooth’s surface to create deeper grooves and pits to bond restorations in place.
1982: First Semi-Permanent Option
Simonsen and Calamia research group found they could use hydrofluoric acid and putty-like material to bond a veneer to a tooth. This created the first semi-permanent dental bonding treatment, allowing patients to keep their veneers for several years.
2020: Unmatched Results
Today, veneers are made of porcelain because it closely mimics enamel to create a natural-looking, stain-resistant smile. They can also be made thinner using porcelain, so less of the tooth’s structure is removed during the bonding process for a less invasive treatment. Although less enamel is removed, veneers are more durable than ever. In fact, they can last for decades with the right aftercare.
Porcelain veneers hold a commonplace in cosmetic dentistry because they can resolve several issues, eliminating the need for various procedures. Because of the improvements made to the procedure over the years, veneers are an effective option to treat:
- Stains or discoloration
- Chipped or cracked teeth
- Shorter than average teeth
- Close gaps between teeth
Enjoy State-of-the-Art Dentistry
If you’re ready to invest in a beautiful smile, choose an advanced solution to achieve your goals. Your dentist can transform your teeth and your self-esteem with porcelain veneers.
About Dr. Darren Koch
For nearly 2 decades, Dr. Koch has provided exceptional dental care to the community. Besides earning his dental degree with honors, he has also completed a one-year advanced dentistry residency and regularly continues his training in many specialties, like cosmetic dentistry. As a member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, he can help you achieve your picture-perfect smile. Contact our office today to see if you’re a candidate for porcelain veneers.
