For a beautiful, symmetrical smile, porcelain veneers are considered one of the most dramatic cosmetic dental treatments you can receive. You may have heard about porcelain veneers, or may even be considering treatment, but do you know how these ceramic coverings first came to be? We’re taking a look back at the history of our modern porcelain veneers to understand how and why they’ve become such a popular treatment method today.
If you’re interested in porcelain veneers, reach out to our Denver, CO practice! Our team at Metropolitan Dental Care has experience with numerous cosmetic procedures, and can offer porcelain veneers that look natural, fit comfortably, and last for years.
Porcelain Veneers for Cosmetic Treatment
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of medical-grade porcelain ceramic that a dentist can use to camouflage a number of imperfections in otherwise healthy teeth. Your dentist places veneers on the front exterior of teeth visible in your smile. They can conceal a number of dental issues, including:
- Uneven spaces between teeth
- Discoloration
- Misshapen teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Deep stains
To place veneers, your dentist first takes impressions of your smile, so the final veneers fit seamlessly to your natural teeth. Thin layers of enamel are removed, creating a tactile surface to which the dental cement can bond. Your dentist then places the veneers on the natural teeth with a permanent dental cement, and makes final shaping adjustments before polishing them. A dramatically new smile can come together, combining the effects of professional whitening, orthodontics and dental bonding. Results often last up to 20 years with proper care and maintenance.
The Backstory
Dental veneers as we know them were first introduced in California by a dentist named Dr. Charles Pincus. In 1928, he treated many Hollywood film stars, and sought a way to temporarily improve the brightness and symmetry of their teeth during filming. These first veneers were formulated from an acrylic material; porcelain would be introduced as a stronger and natural-looking alternative just a few years after. Dr. Pincus’ veneers were temporarily put on.
By the mid-century, high-quality veneers were being created, but dentists struggled to achieve a lasting hold on patients’ natural teeth. In 1959, a dentist named Dr. Michael Buonocore discovered that “etching” the porcelain surface and prepping natural teeth would allow for a stronger bond with commonly-used dental bonding agents. By the 1980s, dentists were able to bond porcelain veneers that lasted for years. As a result, the treatment grew in popularity and became more accessible for many Americans.
Built on the research and case studies of years past, today’s porcelain veneers are extremely natural-looking and long-lasting. With dental veneers from Metropolitan Dental Care, you can experience a total smile makeover in just two office visits or less.
Cosmetic Dentistry in Denver, CO
Porcelain veneers have come a long way from the early days of Hollywood. If you are looking for a way to dramatically improve the overall appearance of your smile, porcelain veneers are a safe, effective cosmetic treatment! Schedule a consultation with our dental team at Metropolitan Dental Care to learn more; we can walk you through the procedure, assess whether you are a candidate for treatment, and go over a cost estimate for your custom treatment plan. Reach a member of our staff, Monday through Friday, at 303.534.2626.
