From the red carpet in Hollywood to everyday smiles on the streets, veneers have become a more common cosmetic dental treatment, but at first, they were exclusive to the superstars. Throughout their existence, due to the advancements in technology and greater accessibility to cosmetic dentistry by everyday people, veneers are enjoyed by more people and look stunningly natural. Read on to take a trip back in time to understand just how far veneers have come since 1928, and what you can expect from the treatment today.
The Hollywood Debut of Veneers
Veneers as we know them today, thin sheaths that cover the surface of teeth to conceal imperfections, have been around since the 1920s. They were conceptualized by a dentist in Los Angeles who was known well-known to the stars, named Charles Pincus. At this time, movies weren’t yet widely made in color, but that didn’t keep the stars from being conscientious of their appearance on screen.
Pincus decided to craft small, tooth-like caps that were placed atop the actors’ teeth to make their smiles look flawless on the big screen, and thus, he was credited with making the world’s first dental veneers.
Advancements in Dental Cements
In the 1950s, Dr. Michael Bunocore created a superior bonding method, called etching. This involved placing an acidic solution on the tooth to get the pores on enamel to open up. As a result, better adhesion was achieved due to a greater surface area for the dental cement and veneer to cling to. However, it wasn’t until 1982 when the etching technique started being used for cosmetic veneers.
Advancements in Materials
Today, veneers can be crafted from a number of natural-looking and durable materials that are built to stand the test of time as well as yield even better results. Whether you’re interested in high-quality ceramic veneers, stain-resistant porcelain, or cost-effective composite resin veneers, you can choose the option that best fits your unique needs and budget.
What Does the Treatment Look Like Today?
Today, veneers are individually crafted to conceal each tooth, allowing you to restore the appearance of one, several, or all of your teeth. During your first appointment, your cosmetic dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel from them, about the thickness of a contact lens. This will allow the veneers to lay flush next to the surrounding teeth whenever they’re cemented in place. At your second appointment, after your veneers have been crafted by the dental laboratory, your cosmetic dentist will permanently secure them in place.
If you’re interested in veneers, the best way to learn more about the process is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in Rio Rancho. They’ll be able to answer any questions you may have as well as give you more details about what your unique treatment process will look like!
About the Practice
At Southwest Dental, our team is comprised of two highly skilled cosmetic dentists, Drs. Ranjbaran and Johnson. With years of collective experience and a commitment to providing top-tier dentistry, they’re proud to offer a wide range of smile-beautifying services, including veneers. To learn if you’re a good candidate for veneers, schedule a consultation by visiting Southwest Dental’s website or call 505-896-9399.