The History of Porcelain Veneers: 1928 to Present

Porcelain veneers can transform a smile into a more ideal state by covering up dental damage or even correcting mild misalignments. They are the open secret behind why so many of America’s favorite movie stars have amazingly perfect teeth, which is fitting because veneers were developed as part of a movie costume in the first place. Here are some fun facts about the history of veneers since they were invented in 1928.

The Dawn of Veneers

In 1928, Dr. Charles Pincus developed veneers to temporarily change an actor’s smile for a film shoot. His process used a special adhesive to hold acrylic pieces on the front surfaces of teeth. These veneers would only last for an hour or two, but that was long enough to keep a character’s smile dashing while a scene was shot. Before long, Dr. Pincus was offering his treatments to the Hollywood elite seeking whiter and brighter smiles for the camera.

The Rise of Porcelain

As veneers became more popular among actors and actresses during the ‘30s and ‘40s, dentists began to realize that many other individuals could benefit from them. Since the acrylic used in early veneers was easily damaged, dentists began creating more natural-looking prosthetics using composite materials and porcelain. However, they could not serve as a permanent solution due to the lack of an appropriate long-lasting bonding agent.

In Search of Permanence

In 1959, Dr. Michael Buonocore discovered that he could create a better bonding surface by using a mildly acidic solution to etch the surface of the teeth, allowing it to form a more durable bond with porcelain. In 1982, R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia combined the findings of Drs. Pincus and Buonocore to develop a method that could permanently bond porcelain and enamel.

Veneers Today

While they were only available to the Hollywood elite when they were first developed, veneers are a common dental treatment today. People of all professions can permanently reshape their smiles in as few as two appointments. Veneers are used to treat chips, cracks, gaps, stains, and minor misalignments, making a movie-star smile available to everyone.

Veneers have improved a lot since they were invented in 1928 and will continue to improve as dental science advances. Consulting with your dentist can determine if you are a candidate for veneer treatment, paving your way to a shiny new smile.

About the Practice

Stec & Stines Cosmetic & Family Dentistry offers patients the best dental care options available in Grand Island, NE. Led by Drs. Steven Stec, CJ Stec, and Jacob Stines, the staff delivers excellent oral health services in a warm and relaxing environment. Areas of expertise include general, restorative, emergency, and cosmetic dentistry such as porcelain veneer treatments. To learn about what porcelain veneers can do for you, contact the office online or dial (308) 382-4440.