Veneers may feel like a modern dental invention, but what many patients don’t realize is that they’ve actually been around since the 1920s. Initially reserved for famous actors that adorned the big screen, like Judy Garland and Bob Hope, today, veneers are able to help everyday people feel more confident and comfortable with their smiles. Read on to learn more about the evolution of veneers.
From Their Roots in Hollywood
Veneers were invented by a dentist named Dr. Charles Pincus. He was also the founder and very first president of the American Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry as well as an inductee to the USC Dental Hall of Fame. He had a large, loyal following of Hollywood stars, and despite being a cosmetic dentist during the Great Depression, TV productions were thriving. This was what inspired his idea to create dental veneers.
With the help of two famous Hollywood makeup artists, the Factor brothers, Pincus used a mixture of porcelain and powdered plastic to create tooth-shaped caps that could be placed over the actors’ teeth. These were how the first ever dental veneers were crafted, but little did Pincus know that his discovery would continue to evolve throughout the decades.
To Everyday Cosmetic Dental Treatments
Modern dental advancements have dramatically improved the lifespan and sustainability of dental veneers, making them a better investment as well as more accessible to everyday people! Today, most dental veneers are crafted from stain-resistant materials that mimic the natural sheen of tooth enamel, like porcelain and ceramic. Cosmetic dentists also use enhanced methods of attaching them to the teeth, like by etching an acidic material onto the tooth that opens the natural pores of the enamel for a stronger grip to the veneers.
Now, instead of a veneer lasting as long as it took to film a few scenes, they can last for up to 25 years with good dental hygiene practices. These include brushing and flossing every day, as well as visiting your dentist every six months for routine checkups and cleanings.
How Can They Benefit Your Smile?
Dental veneers are used to conceal aesthetic imperfections like gaps between teeth, misalignment, and dental damage, so they can help transform your smile even if you’re wanting to address multiple flaws at once. Once placed over your natural teeth, veneers can help brighten them as well as bring more harmony and symmetry to your smile. Ultimately, the most impactful benefit of this treatment is that it can completely change how you view yourself and your smile!
Today, veneers are a popular cosmetic treatment that isn’t just reserved for Hollywood stars. If you feel like your smile could use a refresh but you don’t know where to start, ask your cosmetic dentist in Cleburne about dental veneers!
About the Practice
Dr. Robert Long and Dr. Chris Long are a one-of-a-kind team of cosmetic dentists who offer a wide array of smile-beautifying treatments, including veneers! With decades of cumulative years of experience, they take their time to achieve stunning results that are designed to last. To learn more about this treatment or schedule a consultation, visit Long Family Dental of Cleburne’s website or call 817-645-2437.