Have you ever stopped and thought about the history of dentistry and how much it has evolved? Many dental services back in the day were quite lengthy and brutal – it makes you thankful for today’s specialized tools and painkillers! If you’ve ever considered getting dental veneers in Omaha, you’d be surprised to learn their incredible history.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings that are bonded over a tooth you want to improve the appearance of. They’re customized specifically for your teeth and are fabricated in a laboratory by a technician. They’re commonly used to treat a variety of cosmetic dental concerns like chipped or cracked teeth.
How Veneers Have Evolved Over Time
Since their big debut in the late 1920s, dental veneers have drastically changed and improved. You’d be surprised to learn how much research and advances have happened to get to the veneers we know and love today.
They Used to be Temporary
When dental veneers were first introduced, they were used to temporarily enhance the smiles of Hollywood stars. A California dentist named Dr. Charles Pincus came up with a temporary tooth cap to fit over the patient’s tooth. During a movie scene, they’d put it on then remove it once they finished filming.
Today’s veneers are now bonded to a patient’s tooth for a more permanent solution. They’re designed to last for decades due to improved cement and bonding agents. Another dentist named Dr. Michael Buonocore introduced etching in 1959, which helped to improve bonding even more.
They Used to Take Longer to Apply
Before today’s improved dental technology, applying dental veneers used to be a long process. It generally takes more than one appointment before getting the veneers placed! You’d need a consultation appointment, x-rays of your teeth, a mold to be created and sent to a lab for fabrication, and then you’d receive temporary veneers. It could take several weeks before getting your final set.
New digital imaging and technology can get you in and out of the dentist’s office in the same day! Taking x-rays and impressions have also become easier with 3D digital imaging and computer-aided designs.
They Used to Be Made of Acrylic Material
When veneers were first created, they were made of acrylic. Today, permanent veneers can be made of composite or porcelain materials. This makes them much stronger and able to last longer. A popular choice in dentistry is porcelain veneers, as this material is more durable and matches your natural tooth color better than composite.
Dental Issues Veneers Can Fix
Veneers can be used to treat various dental concerns, and they have been doing so for a very long time. They make good less-invasive alternatives to other services like dental crowns. You can get dental veneers to treat the following concerns:
- Crooked teeth
- Stained teeth
- Gapped teeth
- Broken or chipped teeth
- Oddly shaped teeth
- Teeth that are too small
Are You Interested in Learning More About Veneers in Omaha?
It’s amazing to think about how far dentistry has come along in the past century. Today’s incredible technology makes dental procedures much more efficient and simpler for both dentists and patients. All Smiles Family Dentistry Omaha is excited to offer porcelain veneers at our office. Give us a call if you’re interested in learning more about this service.