Cosmetic dentistry offers a range of treatments to help people enjoy more beautiful smiles. One of the most effective of these treatments is porcelain veneers. These thin porcelain shells are designed to be cemented over teeth with extensive chips, cracks, or stains, covering flaws and reshaping them to create a gorgeous new smile. Believe it or not, veneers were first used as part of a costume on a Hollywood film set. Here’s how they have evolved over the decades into the reliable cosmetic treatment we know today.
The Dawn of Veneers
In 1928, Dr. Charles Pincus created the original dental veneers from an acrylic material, and he attached these appliances to the front of the teeth of an actor working on a Hollywood set. While they allowed the actor to present a completely different smile for the scene, there was no dental cement that could hold them in place for more than a few hours at the time. As the technique evolved, the Hollywood elite began to wear longer-lasting acrylic veneers, but they were easy to damage and needed frequent replacement.
The Rise of Porcelain
While progress in the development of dental veneers was slow during the thirties and forties, dentists began to realize that people other than the Hollywood elite could benefit from wearing them. Dentists began using porcelain for veneers because it was more resistant to stains, discolorations, fractures, chips, and wear than acrylic. However, a long-lasting bonding agent was still unavailable, so veneers were still only temporary solutions to aesthetic dental issues.
Modern Veneers
In 1982, R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia developed a bonding technique that could permanently fix porcelain veneers to the enamel of teeth. They found that by etching the porcelain with hydrofluoric acid, they could achieve a long-lasting and stable hold between the veneer and the tooth. This made porcelain veneers a practical cosmetic solution for long-term day-to-day life.
Today, porcelain veneers are a popular cosmetic dental treatment that has allowed millions of patients to enjoy more beautiful smiles. With excellent care, they may last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement.
About the Practice
Beck Dental Care of Columbia provides the finest oral health services available in Columbia, TN. With Drs. Matthew Hart, Kyle Williams, and Philip Matthews at the helm, the staff ensures that each patient receives personalized and compassionate care in a clean and welcoming office environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneers. To schedule a consultation for veneers, contact the office online or dial (931) 388-8452.