Dental Veneers–A Look Back in History
It’s just been in the past few decades that dental veneers have become popular, but in reality, they have been around for nearly 100 years. Well-known Hollywood dentist, Dr. Charles Pincus, first conceived of veneers to enhance the smiles of actors and actresses onscreen. He applied false fronts to their teeth, giving them stunning smiles that became a Hollywood trademark. What he lacked, however, was the technology to permanently affix the porcelain to their teeth.
Dr. Michael Bunocore was at the forefront of modern adhesive dentistry in the late 1960s. He created a stronger bonding surface for dental sealants and restorations with a mild acidic solution brushed on the teeth. Then in the early eighties, dentists began applying Dr. Bunocore’s techniques to porcelain veneers, and suddenly, porcelain veneers became even more popular.
Dental Veneers–A Look at Today
Dental veneers have evolved over the past few decades into something convenient and lifelike. New porcelain has become stronger and more reflective, looking more and more like natural dental enamel. Most patients who get porcelain veneers are addressing issues such as chips, cracks, gaps, misalignment, or discoloration of their teeth.
Digital imaging means that many dentists are able to create restorations the same day that are an almost perfect match to the shape and color of a patient’s natural teeth. Dentists also have the option of using Uveneer, which gives incredible results.
Patients who are considering porcelain veneers have to meet some requirements, including:
- Good periodontal and oral health, overall
- Commitment to proper care and hygiene
- Cosmetic goals but realistic expectations
- Sufficient healthy enamel to enable dentists to remove a thin layer before placing the veneers
Patients who have tooth decay or gum disease generally are not good candidates for veneers–at least not until after these conditions are treated. Also, habitual teeth grinders or jaw clenchers might not quality for veneers. Although porcelain veneers are extremely strong, bruxism puts an immense strain on veneers, possibly even causing them to break. The only way patients can find out whether or not they are a good candidate for veneers is to visit with a skilled cosmetic dentist. A good cosmetic dentist will evaluate a patient’s health history and current health, and he or she will assess the condition of a patient’s tooth enamel. Alternatives can be recommended for those who may not qualify for porcelain dental veneers.
Because veneers are permanent patients should be certain about their decision.
Uveneer is the invention of cosmetic dentist, Dr. Sigal Jacobson. Though only being launched since February of 2014, Dr. Jacobson’s patented design is already being touted as “groundbreaking” and “essential” by dentists worldwide. A native of Australia, Dr. Jacobson also runs her own practice Jacobson Dental Group of Melbourne. To learn more about what Uveneer can do for you and your patients, visit our Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube pages!