While your focus may be on what life will be like once your new dental veneers are bonded in place, you may wonder where these restorations started. Once known as a cosmetic solution only available to the rich and famous, keep reading to find out how these custom tooth coverings made their way from Hollywood and into the hands of everyday individuals like yourself.
Veneers: Where It All Began
If you look back in time, you’ll find that veneers got their start in 1928 with the help of California dentist, Dr. Charles Pincus. Tapped to create veneers for some of Hollywood’s biggest movie stars, these restorations were designed to help improve the smiles on the big screen.
The materials used lacked quality and durability, as the thin acrylic veneers were temporarily secured to teeth. While they produced an eye-catching appearance, they didn’t last long, as they would often fall off before the end of the day.
With the arrival of the 1950s, veneers were still being used primarily by Hollywood’s elite to enhance the look of their smile. While materials improved to create a stronger bond with teeth, they remained financially out of reach for most individuals.
Bringing Veneers to the Average American
Advancements in dentistry throughout the 60s and 70s led to a revolutionary breakthrough in the 1980s when stronger bonding solutions allowed veneers to serve as a long-term smile enhancement option.
Instead of falling off shortly after being put into place, dentists could adhere veneers to teeth knowing they would remain in place for an extended period of time. Not to mention, porcelain became the leading material when creating these restorations because of its close resemblance to natural enamel and durability.
With these improvements, veneers became more widely used among dentists and accessible to patients throughout the country. They’re now one of the most popular cosmetic treatment options provided today, giving individuals a chance to embrace a fully transformed smile in just two appointments.
The changing landscape of cosmetic dentistry and veneers specifically is one for the history books. Once only accessible to Hollywood’s wealthiest celebrities, these restorations are now commonplace in dental offices throughout the United States. As dental professionals and patients look to the future, there’s no telling what kind of improvements are in store.
About the Practice
At Elmbrook Family Dental, we believe in creating healthy smiles first and foremost. However, we also know our patients desire beautiful smiles that exude confidence. This is why we offer cosmetic dental treatments of all types. One of the most popular is our custom-made veneers, which are designed to conceal many different smile imperfections. If you are interested in transforming your appearance and making a good first impression, visit our website to find out how we can help.