Are you happy with your smile when you look in the mirror? If the answer is no, veneers are an increasingly popular way to fix imperfections, leaving you with a beautiful, flawless smile. Whether you have discoloration, chips, cracks, or slight misalignment, veneers could be a solution for you. Something that you might not know about veneers is that they aren’t new. Read on to learn more about veneers and how they have evolved over the years.
The Invention of Veneers
For a long time, people have been taking drastic measures to improve their appearance to meet beauty standards. It was actually the film industry that first introduced veneers to the world. More specifically, they were invented by a dentist in California named “Dr. Charlie Pincus” in 1928. He created them to alter the appearance of the teeth so his clients could look perfect for the big screen. However, these veneers are not permanent like the ones you see today. They were attached using a special adhesive and were only meant to be worn for a short period.
The Etching Technique
Veneers were widely used in Hollywood, but they also started to become more appealing to those who weren’t necessarily involved in the film industry. This issue at this time was that they weren’t very long-lasting, so this makes them impractical to try to wear all the time. However, Dr. Michael Buonocore came up with etching technique in 1959. This involves using acid on the surface of the teeth to create small groves. This rough surface makes it much easier to bond with sealants and other restorations.
In 1982, J. R. Calamia and R. J. Simonsen bright the work of Dr. Pincus and Dr. Buonocore together to create a longer lasting veneer. They applied a hydro fluoric acid to the teeth and created small pores where the dental compound could seep into and create a strong bond with the veneer. This way, patients could achieve results that lasted many years.
Modern Dental Veneers
Today, dentists use the same etching and bonding technique. However, dental professionals today work with high-quality and strain resistant porcelain that closely resembles natural teeth. When cared for properly, modern veneers can last upward of 15 years before needing to be replaced with new ones, making them a long-lasting cosmetic solution.
If you are looking for a more drastic smile makeover, veneers could be the solution you’ve been hoping for. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out if they are right for you!
About the Author
Dr. Jeffrey Skupny earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree from the University of Florida College of Dentistry. Since then, he has been committed to continuing education to keep his knowledge and skills sharp. Currently, he is a proud member of the Academy of General Dentistry, the International Team for Implantology, the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, and the Naples Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about veneers or to schedule a consultation, visit his website or call (239) 261-5566.