Veneers are one of the hottest cosmetic dental treatments around, and these days, more patients than ever before are turning toward them to unlock their smile’s ultimate potential. They’re natural-looking, versatile, and able to address a number of aesthetic issues including chips and cracks in teeth, gaps between them, stubborn staining, and more. But this is all possible thanks to advancements in dental technology over the years. Keep reading to learn a little more about the rise of modern veneers and a few of the innovations that have made veneers so fantastic.
The Rise of Modern Veneers
Veneers have been around for quite a while. The very first version of them was created in 1928 by dentist Charles Pincus, who realized that small acrylic caps could be attached to teeth, especially for the benefit of early Hollywood stars. Eventually, the swap to dental porcelain was made, and then came efforts to increase the treatment’s longevity, such as early etching techniques.
The bottom line is that after a lot of collective effort by dentists everywhere, veneers finally evolved into the iteration we see today—the small, thin porcelain shields that are expertly bonded to the outer surfaces of teeth.
Technology That Makes Your Veneers Look Great
Here’s a closer look at three of the specific innovations that contribute to the awesome capabilities of veneers:
Digital Photography
The convenience of digital photography cannot be understated; being able to digitally take and indefinitely store photographs of a patient’s mouth is quite valuable, not to mention these images can also be electronically transferred to dental labs to help streamline the overall process of making veneers. These photographs are also useful for accurate color matching, sizing, and shaping.
Computer Imaging
This technology allows patients to “see” their new smile before it’s even made! Special computer imaging software can be used to modify a current photo of your smile to extrapolate what it’ll look like once your veneers have been placed. It’s a useful tool for making changes to the veneers as necessary.
Temporary Veneers
In a similar vein to computer imaging, provisional veneers can be made so that before your final ones are crafted, you can take your new smile for a test drive! This is also useful for making changes to the treatment plan if needed.
Using these and other advanced technologies can help fine-tune your new veneers to ensure that they look and feel as natural and stunning as possible. That said, as dental technology continues to improve, we should only expect the outcomes of solutions like veneers to improve simultaneously.
About the Practice
The talented team at Sweeny Family Dental has proudly served patients and families in the Sweeny, TX community for several years. Under the leadership of Dr. Derek Funk, the practice is excited to offer a wide range of services including various cosmetic options like veneers. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to arrange a visit for you or a loved one, feel free to contact the practice online or over the phone for additional information or assistance. Telephone: (979) 401-2962.