Cosmetic dentistry may seem like a relatively new trend, but people have been trying to improve their smiles for many centuries. In fact, as long ago as 700 B.C., the first ivory dentures were being made by Etruscans. Of course, some cultures were also transplanting teeth from donors, and while this method of tooth replacement tended to have foul results, it continued until the 19th century.
By 200 A.D., golden crowns and bridges were being developed by the Etruscans. Elsewhere, Egyptians were busily developing toothpaste from a combination of vinegar and pumice, a much more appetizing combination than the Roman’s urine-based concoction. Barber-dentists sprang up around 1100, and they spent their time filing teeth, performing extractions, and even coating teeth with acid in order to whiten them.
It was not until the late 1700s that a form of porcelain dentures was developed, paving the way for a number of dental restorations today, including crowns, bridges, and dental veneers. Dental veneers are a custom-made, thin laminate that fits over the surface of the tooth, enhancing its appearance.
At the height of Silver Screen glamour, many Hollywood stars’ dental hygiene came to light along with the arrival of the “talkies.” As it became clear that the stars’ rotting, broken, or damaged teeth would be serious distractions to their otherwise-flawless beauty, the film industry needed a solution and fast.
A dentist, Charles Pincus, came to the rescue. He had developed a tooth-shaped porcelain device that could be glued directly over the surface of the problem teeth. These veneers were only temporary, but they laid the groundwork for modern day dental veneers. Pincus’ groundbreaking invention could alter the shape, color, and even look of the teeth and even though these prostheses were not intended to last long, they quickly grew in popularity amongst the Hollywood set.
Veneers would not attain widespread popularity until the 1980s, when it was discovered that etching the porcelain of the veneers and using composite resin could create a permanent bond between the veneer and the tooth. Since then, a number of advancements have been made in types of porcelain used to strengthen and even enhance the look of dental veneers.
Veneers today are custom made to fit the individual’s needs perfectly. They may be made of either composite or porcelain and are very thin. Composite veneers may be made in-office and are generally temporary. Porcelain veneers are created in a lab and may last between 10 and 30 years.
Veneers can address a number of dental issues, from chips and grooves, to gaps and overcrowding, to yellowing and staining, all at once. The tooth is prepared, and the millimeter-thin porcelain veneer is applied, creating a flawless appearance. A beautiful, fresh new smile is born.