From Tom Cruise to Morgan Freeman, dental veneers are responsible for plenty of stars’ trademark “Hollywood smile”. It’s no small wonder why. These shell-like facades are fashioned from durable, stunning materials that glisten and shine – you’d never know that dental flaws lie just underneath their glossy surface!
Would it surprise you to learn that these dental trend-setters were born on the red carpet? Keep reading to learn more about the origins of dental veneers and how they came to set the standard for TV-worthy smiles.
Not-So-Humble Beginnings
Back when film was really gaining traction in the United States, many actors and actresses in California visited Dr. Charles Pincus for their dental needs. One fateful day in 1928, Dr. Pincus needed a way to temporarily alter his patient’s smile for the camera. He landed on using an acrylic material to create a thin, tooth-like cover, and applied an adhesive to his patient’s teeth to get it to stick. If that sounds familiar, it’s because this was indeed the first successful dental veneer!
See a Need, Fill a Need
Dr. Pincus’ dental veneers were in high demand among filmmaking stars. However, they could only stay in place for about two hours. This was part of what made them difficult to market to a wider audience. Dentists continued to try and solve the problem, but a solution wouldn’t be discovered until 1959.
Dr. Michael Buonocore was able to significantly increase a dental veneer’s lifespan by using a mildly acidic compound to “etch” surface enamel. The rougher texture made it easier for adhesive to cling to teeth and form a strong bond.
To Infinity and Beyond
Now that dentists knew the secret to creating long-lasting dental veneers, they simply needed to perfect the method. In 1982, Drs. R.J. Simonsen and J.R. Calamia developed a more effective etching technique that involved hydrofluoric acid. Thanks to this advancement, dental veneers are able to enhance patients’ smiles for ten years or more with proper care!
As you can see, dental veneers have walked the red carpet from start to finish. They’ve always looked ready for the big screen, and time has only aged them like a fine wine. With a set of these dental cosmetics, you can conceal your unwanted dental flaws with as much style and glamor that Hollywood and dentistry can provide!
About the Author
Dr. Henry Diep has seen the importance of a fantastic smile firsthand while volunteering for a mobile dental clinic in Oakland. Patients’ eagerness to restore and enhance their teeth made such an impression on him that he decided to pursue dentistry. Today, he continues to be a passionate provider and would gladly consult with you about dental veneers! To contact Dr. Diep’s office, call 510-880-3022.