When and Why Were Porcelain Veneers Invented?
The porcelain veneer was invented in 1928 in California by Dr. Charles Pincus, whose patients were mostly movie stars. They all wanted to look as good as possible in front of the camera.
Veneer Materials and Uses
In the late 1920s, veneers were made of an acrylic composite. They simply slid over natural teeth, much like caps. However, they were originally temporary veneers; a star would put on their veneers before shooting their scenes, and then remove them afterward.
This type of veneer served actors of the late 20s very well. They didn’t look very natural. At the same time, there was no need for looking natural, as filming cameras in those days didn’t show much detail. So, the result was a situation that helped Hollywood stars achieve beautiful smiles in a quick and easy way.
The Next 10 Years – Development
Moviegoers who saw their favorite stars with dazzling smiles were soon looking for ways to get their own. This led to veneers becoming more popular than ever before and dentists perfecting the veneer process.
Between 1930 and 1940, dentists continued to supply Hollywood stars veneers, and they were also exploring ways to make veneers more available and longer-lasting.
Veneer materials changed around this time; dentists were now using composite and porcelain. This changed their look to something far more natural than the acrylic veneers of old. However, permanency was still a problem.
The 1950s and Beyond – Etching and Bonding
During the 1950s, it was discovered that veneers could bond better to the tooth surface when it was etched with mild acid to remove a thin layer. In 1982, the veneer-placing process was further refined when composite resins were added to the etching of the tooth enamel. This allowed veneers to remain on the teeth for 10-15 years.
Just a decade after the discovery of the benefits of bonding, the popularity of veneers started to skyrocket, and they continue to be popular today.
Composite vs. Porcelain Veneers
There are two types of dental veneers available today: composite and porcelain, and both have their pros and cons.
Composite Veneers
The composite veneer offers a number of advantages. The cost of composite veneers depends on more than one factor, but, generally speaking, it ranges between $20 and $1,500 per tooth.
Another advantage of composite veneers is they can be offered as a same-day treatment option because composites can be made quickly on-site.
Composites are sculpted onto the tooth and resin is applied directly. They are also reversible.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer much more durability than composites, and they can last three to eight years longer. This fact can justify the cost of porcelain veneers for some.
Cosmetic dentists agree that porcelain veneers look much more like a natural tooth. They also resist staining far more effectively than composites. Impressions of your teeth need to be obtained so that you can wear temporary veneers while you wait for your permanent smile makeover.
Award-Winning Cosmetic Dentistry and Oral Health Care
Dr. Joseph Goodman is the recipient of several “best dentist” and “top dentist” awards. Specializing in composite veneers and porcelain veneers, along with top-quality general dentistry services, Dr. Goodman is the experienced professional of choice for many wanting to improve their smiles. Visit him online to learn more and schedule a consultation.