Invention to Perfection: A History of Veneers

If you’re like many others who want to hide aesthetic flaws in their smile, you might be considering porcelain veneers. Your dentist can attach these durable shells to the front of your teeth to address minor chips, cracks, gaps, or discoloration.

Veneers haven’t always been as strong and convenient as they are today, though. In fact, they have a long history reaching back almost 100 years! Millions of people have covered up their dental imperfections this way. Keep reading to learn more about the fascinating history of this popular cosmetic treatment and why now is the best time to get them.

1920s-1930s: The Early Years

Did you know that the first veneers were created for a movie star? In 1928, a Californian dentist by the name of Charles Pincus created temporary veneers for an actor to wear on a film set. He made them from acrylic and attached them with a special adhesive. This first set was not intended to be permanent, though; the actor would put them on for shooting and then remove them at the end of the day. Eventually, more actors began to use veneers to show off perfect pearly whites in their movies. Because they were expensive, they were largely only accessible to the rich and famous at the time.

Over the years, dentists began to realize that veneers could be helpful to people from all walks of life, too! To make them more affordable, they’d need new materials. In 1937, porcelain veneers were invented to reach a larger crowd. This ceramic looked more like natural teeth and so wasn’t as visibly noticeable, which only further added to the appeal.

1950’s-1980’s: Bonding Development

Up until the 1950s, veneers still were not considered permanent fixtures because there wasn’t a bonding technique strong enough to keep them in place. Then, Dr. Michael Buonocore introduced a method of attaching them, called etching. It involved applying acid lightly to the surface of a tooth prior to attaching a veneer, which created deeper pits and grooves for a stronger hold.

This technique was used until 1982 when the Simonsen and Calamia research group enhanced it. They learned that if they etched with hydrofluoric acid and then used composite resin to attach a veneer, the result was an enduring bond that would last.  

Contemporary Veneers

In our world today, various advancements in technology and techniques have led to veneers that are thinner and more durable than ever. Now the porcelain they’re made of is as thin as a contact lens but can last 30+ years with proper maintenance. That means there’s no time like the present to contact your dentist about veneers.

Soon you’ll be on your way to a perfect smile and any concerns you have about imperfections will become ancient history!

About the Author

Dr. Ryan Johnson earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine and is pursuing ongoing education with a Fellowship with the Academy of General Dentistry. He and the dedicated dental team provide comprehensive dental care using state-of-the-art technology for perfect results. If you’re interested in veneers and would like a consultation, you’re welcome to contact us on the website or by calling (904) 895-4536.