Veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry services available today, and once you know a bit about them, it’s not hard to see why. These wafer-thin porcelain shells are placed over the front-facing surface of a tooth, instantly concealing aesthetic imperfections like chips, cracks, stains, and even small gaps. If you have or are interesting in getting veneers, you may be wondering how your cosmetic dentist gets them to always look so flawless. Let’s talk about the history of veneers and the dental technology that enables them to seamlessly blend into your smile.
The Evolution of Veneers
Veneers were first created for actors to improve their smiles while on camera. Dr. Charles Pincus, a California dentist, invented them in 1928. At first, they were made of acrylic and were temporarily attached with denture adhesive so they could be removed after a film shoot. In the 1950s, dentists discovered that applying a mild acid to the tooth’s surface allowed veneers (which were starting to be made with porcelain) to stick to the teeth for much longer.
The veneers dentists use today were developed in the 1980s. Researchers discovered that by etching porcelain with hydrofluoric acid, the bond between the veneer and tooth enamel became nearly permanent.
How Dental Technology Creates Flawless Veneers
As veneers evolved, so did the technology used to design them. Generally, a cosmetic dentist will take photographs and impressions of your teeth and face, creating a mold that a professional ceramist uses to ensure the veneers perfectly match the size, shape, color, and proportion of your pearly whites.
In recent years, veneers have become even more lifelike thanks to various technological advancements, such as:
- Digital photography – Images that are captured digitally often come in high resolutions, revealing the precise aspects of your existing tooth that you want to fix.
- Virtual smile design – Many dentists are able to manipulate a picture of your current smile to give you an idea of what you’ll look like with veneers in place. It gives you an opportunity to decide whether you even want veneers or adjusting your treatment plan based on the projected results.
- Temporary veneers – After your teeth are prepared for the veneers, your dentist will place provisionary veneers for protection until the permanent ones are ready. However, the temporaries also let you take your new smile for a test drive. If you’d like to make any corrections regarding the veneers’ shape, color, size, or texture, your dentist can do so before placing your final veneers.
Veneers have come a long way since they were first created in the days of silent movies. Advancements in dental technology have helped veneers become perhaps the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatment ever. If you’re interested in attaining a flawless smile that can last for decades, ask your cosmetic dentist about veneers!
About the Practice
At Plush Dentistry, we strive to provide our patients in Frisco, TX with precise, high-quality dental care. Our two talented dentists, Dr. Ali and Dr. Kraipak, have helped countless patients achieve their smile goals with high-quality cosmetic services, including custom-made veneers. If you’re looking to transform your smile, don’t hesitate to visit our website or call our office at 469-850-0786.