If you’ve watched movies or television in the past few decades, you’ve probably seen many actors and actresses with dental veneers without even realizing it. The fact that they almost always go unnoticed is a testimony to how effective and versatile these appliances are. Dental veneers can transform a smile afflicted by defects like chips, cracks, stains, and gaps into beautiful new states in as few as two appointments. Here’s how veneer treatment has developed since it was first used in 1928.
The Dawn of Dental Veneers
In 1928, Dr. Charles Pincus of California developed the first set of dental veneers as part of a costume for a Hollywood movie. To perform this initial treatment, Dr. Pincus attached acrylic veneers to the front of the actor’s teeth using a special adhesive. These veneers stayed in place for about an hour or two, but that was enough time for the film crew to get the necessary shots. This made the treatment a success, and soon many actors and actresses were interested in using them to achieve whiter and brighter smiles for their scenes.
From Costume to Proper Dental Treatment
Of course, veneers that last for two hours were only good for costumes rather than as a permanent cosmetic solution. As this treatment became more popular on Hollywood sets, dentists started to research how veneers could be used to treat people’s cosmetic dental concerns. They started to make veneers out of composites or porcelain, resulting in beautiful appliances that looked convincing off-camera. However, the lack of an appropriate permanent bonding agent limited their effectiveness.
When Veneers Started to Stick Around
In the early 1980s, Drs. R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia developed a means of permanently attaching porcelain veneers to a patient’s enamel. By creating more surface area by etching the patient’s teeth and the porcelain of the interior part of the veneers, dentists were able to create a strong bond that could hold for years with proper care.
Today, dental veneers are a versatile cosmetic dental treatment and can last for fifteen years or more before needing replacement. These appliances can now permanently cover up extensive dental flaws or even realign teeth without orthodontic treatment in some cases. Teeth treated with veneers look completely natural and can give a patient new confidence in their smile.
About the Author
Dr. Brad Weiss is a graduate of the Indiana University School of Dentistry in Indianapolis and continues his education through the L.D. Pankey Institute in Florida, where he is a Visiting Faculty member. He is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Chicago Dental Society. His office in Skokie, IL, offers general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as veneers. To schedule a consultation for veneer treatment, contact his office online or dial (847) 864-0188.