Veneers remain one of the most popular cosmetic dental services available. These custom restorations have been used for decades to hide imperfections and beautify smiles for some of Hollywood’s elite. While they may have gotten their start in the movies, they are no longer only attainable by the rich and famous. Learn how veneers have evolved to become the eye-catching enhancements they are today.
1928: When Veneers Showed Up On the Scene
The 1920s saw the arrival of movie stars eager to make their mark on the big screen. Unfortunately, many of them lacked the kind of smile that Hollywood producers were looking for.
A dentist in Los Angeles, Charles Pincus, saw this as his chance to change the movie industry. Partnering with the founders of Max Factor cosmetics, he created the first set of veneers. Attaching to teeth with the help of powdered plastic and porcelain, he shaped the covers so they would snap onto a person’s smile.
Considered a success by Hollywood, he became the preferred dentist for big-name stars, like Judy Garland, Bob Hope, and countless others. However, the veneers used during this time only lasted a few days before new ones had to be created.
The Changing Landscape of Veneers
Over the years, new materials were used to attach these restorations to teeth. In the 1950s, Dr. Michael Bunocore discovered the art of etching to enhance the bond between restorations and pearly whites. Decades later, in the 1980s, R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia developed a process closer to what we see today. They used the etching process to attach veneers to the front surfaces of tooth enamel, creating a stronger, longer-lasting bond.
The Veneers of Today
Nearly 100 years later, veneers are now readily available in most dental offices. With additional refinements, research, and advancements in dentistry and technology, the process of placing these restorations is safer and more effective than ever before.
Although dentists now remove a small portion of tooth enamel rather than etching the surface, this creates a longer-lasting result that can last up to 20 years with proper care.
Veneers have come a long way in how they are created and bonded, but their goal remains the same: to create more attractive smiles that every patient can enjoy.
About the Practice
Dr. A. Faris Waheed is a trusted dental professional with over 15 years of experience. Serving the community for over a decade, he enjoys building healthier, more aesthetically pleasing smiles. He offers custom-made veneers to those seeking a fully transformed appearance, free of imperfections. If you need help saying goodbye to chips, cracks, or gaps in your smile, visit our website or call (904) 748-4900 to schedule a consultation.