It’s no accident that people associate veneers with the “movie star smile” – the originals were intended to improve the smiles of actors in the early days of Hollywood! This cosmetic treatment has certainly come a long way since its inception in the late 1920s. In this article, you’ll find a fascinating history of the veneer from its early time in the movies up to nearly a century later!
The Beginning
In the early days of moviemaking, Hollywood stars were not enamored of their smiles in those all-important closeups. A Los Angeles dentist named Charles Pincus saw an opportunity and created the first porcelain veneers using a mixture of powered plastic and porcelain. Soon, he became the dentist to the stars, the go-to choice for some of the biggest names of the time like Bob Hope, Judy Garland, and May West.
However, these porcelain veneers’ durability was nowhere near what we know today. They would only last a few days, and stars often discarded them after finishing a scene. They may have shaped Hollywood smiles, but it would be a while before a permanent attachment process was developed.
Slow and Steady Improvement
In the 1950s, a man named Dr. Michael Bunocore pioneered the use of etching compounds for bonding restorations to teeth.
Etching uses an acidic compound. It allowed Bunocore to open small pores on the surface of teeth without damaging their structure, helping bonding compounds get a firmer grasp on the veneer to better hold it in place. It was a better solution than the early models, but it would take years before the technique was refined.
Later Stages
In 1982, Drs. J.R. Calamia and R.J. Simonsen made a huge discovery when they realized that using hydrofluoric acid in etching and composite resins increased the time a porcelain veneer would bond to the natural tooth. In other words, they found something to make them stick much longer.
Present Day
These days, veneers can last more than 10 years with the proper maintenance. They are bonded to the teeth with cement containing chemicals that are activated under a special light, causing it to harden and create a stronger bond between the veneer and tooth. Veneers not only add a brilliant shine to your smile, but they can mask multiple imperfections like small gaps, chips, cracks, and discoloration.
It’s certainly worlds away from the 1920s models that didn’t last a week! A flawless set of teeth doesn’t belong only to those who walk the red carpet anymore. Talk to your dentist about enhancing the shape, color, size, and appearance of your teeth with a service that has decades of positive reviews.
About the Practice
Coats Dental Group of Longmont has been serving the Longmont community for more than 25 years. Our practice is family owned and operated, and Drs. Brian and Kevin Coats can accommodate a wide range of dental needs with a very warm and kind chairside manner. If you’re ready for a smile makeover, Dr. Brian Coats offers veneers to rejuvenate your smile and boost your confidence. To make an appointment, give us a call at (303) 776-4090 or visit our website today.