Veneers are an increasingly popular way to fix imperfections and leave you with beautiful, flawless results. Whether you are dealing with discoloration, chips, cracks, or even slight misalignment issues, veneers could be a solution for you. Something you may not know about this restoration is that they have been around for nearly a century! Continue reading to learn more about veneers and how they have evolved into what they are today.
The Invention of Veneers
For quite a while, people have been taking drastic measures to improve their appearance. Afterall, everyone wants to feel good about how they look. It was actually the film industry that first introduced veneers to the world. More specifically, they were invented by a Californian dentist known as Dr. Charlie Pincus in 1928. He created them to alter the appearance of the smile so his clients could look perfect for the big screen. However, these veneers were 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 of time.
The Etching Technique
Veneers were widely used in Hollywood, but they also started to become more appealing to people who weren’t necessarily involved in the film industry. The issue at this time was that they weren’t very long-lasting, so this made them very impractical to try to wear at all times. However, Dr. Michael Buonocore came up with the 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 put the work of both Dr. Pincus and Dr. Buonocore together to create a longer lasting veneer. They applied a hydrofluoric 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 have results that would last for several years.
Modern Dental Veneers
Today, dentists use the same etching and bonding technique. However, now dental professionals work with high-quality and stain-resistant porcelain that very closely resembles natural teeth. When cared for properly, modern veneers can last upwards of 15 years before needing to be replaced with new ones, making it an ideal, long-lasting option.
For patients looking for a more dramatic smile makeover, veneers could be the solution you’re looking for. Schedule a consultation with your dentist to find out if they are the right option for you!
About the Author
Dr. Gary C. Nawrocki is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over 40 years! He earned his dental doctorate from the University of Florida and has completed thousands of hours of continuing education, including courses at the Pankey Institute, the Seattle Institute, and the Spear Educational Institute in Scottsdale, AZ. He has also studied cosmetic dentistry at Louisiana State’s Dental School and advanced aesthetics with the Rosenthal Institute of New York. To learn more about dental veneers or to schedule a consultation at Dr. Nawrocki’s office in Cocoa Beach, visit his website or call (321) 783-7514.