September 8, 2023

The Hollywood Smile: A Brief History of Veneers

Filed under: Uncategorized — dr_cheng @ 6:21 pm
A set of veneers being inspected

Have you ever wondered where the idea of dental veneers came from? Like most inventions, they didn’t start out as a perfect dental solution for many dental imperfections. In fact, they were originally more like props!

If you’re curious where the term “Hollywood smile” came from, continue reading. There’s a brief but fascinating history of dental veneers waiting to be uncovered.

Experimentation of the Early 1900s

The very first veneers were created in 1928 by Dr. Charles Pincus, a Californian dentist. One of the actors needed to change his smile to play his part, so Dr. Pincus devised a set of temporary covers for the actor’s teeth. He used a removable bonding material so that the covers could be taken off with the rest of the actor’s costume.

The concept would be further expanded by the process of acid etching in 1959. Dr. Michael Buonocore found a way to use acid to create a better surface to bond restorations like dental crowns and bridges.

Advancements of the 1980s

In 1982, J.R. Calamia and R.J. Simonsen—two dental researchers, found a way to combine the research of Dr. Buonocore with the covers created by Dr. Pincus. This created the foundation for the modern dental veneer. After this breakthrough, dental veneers began to become more popular as a treatment.

Cosmetic Dentistry Boom of the 1990s

With the continuation of dental technology, the 1990s saw a surge in the demand for cosmetic dentistry of all kinds. Celebrities and media played a significant role in popularizing veneers as the ultimate solution for a “Hollywood smile.”

Modern Veneers in the 2020s

Veneers today are stronger and more aesthetically pleasing than ever before. They’ve become almost routine for a large swath of dental offices throughout the country. With all the advances in dental technology, the process itself has become much easier and less invasive. There has never been a better time to think about veneer treatment.

If you’re still on the fence about trying veneers for yourself, give your dentist a call and raise your concerns. Veneers may not be the best path forward for your specific needs, but if you want to cover a lifetime of dental imperfections with one treatment, veneers are the way to go.

About the Practice

At Fort Dental, your treatment is in good hands. Their team of professional and talented dentists is well-versed in a variety of dental treatments. No matter what your smile goals are, the team at Fort Dental can help you achieve them with ease and comfort at the forefront. Your journey to optimal oral health begins here. To schedule a veneer consultation, call (817) 292-5957 or visit the website to explore other treatments.