The beginnings of dentistry mainly focused on relieving pain and treating rotten teeth. Eventually it expanded to making teeth stronger and more beautiful. Dental veneers is one such cosmetic dentistry procedure that improves the function and appearance of someone’s smile. Modern dental veneers emerged within the last couple of decades, but they have come quite a long way through the years. Read on to learn about the predecessors of dental veneers and what modern dental veneers can do for your smile!
Ancient Cosmetic Procedures
Beginning around 700 B.C., Etruscans were making dentures from ivory, animal bone, and even the teeth of deceased humans. This practice continued around the world through the Medieval period. Moreover, Ancient Egyptians used seashells as teeth replacements and gold to fashion dental bridges and crowns. They also tried their hand at creating a form of “toothpaste” in a questionable attempt to clean and whiten their teeth, using ingredients such as powdered pumice, vinegar, and urine.
Porcelain Artificial Teeth
With each century, false teeth have evolved to look more and more like natural teeth. In the 1700s, porcelain began to be used for false teeth. In the 1800s, plaster molds helped ensure the new teeth fit better. The 1900s combined the usage of acrylics and plastics with porcelain for even greater versatility, comfort, and esthetics.
Temporary —» Permanent Dental Veneers
The dental veneer was formally invented in the 1920s by Dr. Charles Pincus as a way to improve the less-than-desirable smiles of some Hollywood movie stars from imperfect to “camera ready.” However, these caps were only temporarily attached by adhesive and fitted loosely over the teeth. The actor would often take them off as soon as they finished their scenes for the day.
In 1959, Dr. Michael Buonocore further improved the quality of veneers by using etching to bond the veneers to the natural teeth for a stronger hold. The modern technique of more permanent veneers came about in the 1980s when Dr. Simonsen and Dr. Calamia discovered that using hydrofluoric acid in etching and composite resins increased the amount of time the porcelain veneer would bond to the natural tooth.
Design Your Dream Smile with Dental Veneers!
Since dental veneers were first used, their quality, functionality, and appearance has improved exponentially. If properly cared for, veneers can now last 10 to 15 years. At Arizona Biltmore Dentistry, we can help you achieve your dream smile with dental veneers. These thin porcelain shells can hide teeth that are irregularly shaped, cracked, chipped, gapped, or discolored. We will work with you to ensure you’re happy with the results! Contact us to schedule your dental veneers consultation today.