Cosmetic Dentistry and Dental Makeover Success Stories

Chris, California

It all started from a somewhat horrifying experience on an otherwise happy day. A few years back I’m having fun at my best friend’s wedding. Throughout the night, during the many catch up conversations, dances, toast to the newlyweds and everything else, I was constantly getting told that I had something in my teeth. So, delighted that although I haven’t seen many of these friends in some time, they still have the courtesy to actually tell me something was wrong; I’d grab a toothpick, ask if I’m AOK, go to the bathroom and rinse – I figured that should take care of it.

When the wedding pictures came a few weeks later, is when it hit me.  Turns out, much to my embarrassment, that my teeth actually prompted all of this attention and concern for my oral hygiene. It looked like I had a popcorn kernel in place of what I now know to be the lateral incisor. When I saw those pics, my face flushed and I just shrunk from the horror that everyone knew what I didn’t – my teeth looked disgusting, and they’ve knew about it since that fateful night. I was on the computer before I even finished looking at the pictures.

Checking local dental practices out, researching some common cosmetic dentistry procedures; this was the fun I was having while everyone else was coming up with a different kind of caramel or toffee to name my teeth. As it turns out, a few weeks later I was in possession of a shiny, new, anchor person type smile.

Although, it wasn’t exactly a drop in the bucket, I look at it like this; Would I really want to go through that kind of embarrassment again? Isn’t it just worth it to make the investment, and not skimp on something as important as my teeth, my oral health, and my overall appearance?? 

I am so much more aware of my teeth now; I smile and laugh a lot so it’s great to not have to worry about trying to hide something. My doctor took his time explaining the health aspect first, addressing any present and possibly future problems, and then taking care of the cosmetic dentistry side of things. In the end, with no pain mind you, I wound up with what they call in the cosmetic dentistry biz, a full mouth restoration. 

Thank goodness I took care of my teeth, and went full tilt on the cosmetic dentistry – I don’t regret it one bit and think it was the best money ever spent. It just so happens, in a few months, I’ll be toasting my own nuptials.

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Charles Pincus

Dental veneers were invented in the 1930s by a California dentist named Charles Pincus. At that time, they fell off in a very short time as they were held on by denture adhesive.

They were, however, useful for temporarily changing the appearance of movie actors' and actress's teeth during the filming of the movie.

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Simonsen and Calamia

Research started in 1982 by R. J. Simonsen and John R. Calamia revealed that porcelain could be etched with Hydrofluoric Acid and bond strengths could be achieved between composite resins and porcelain that were predicted to be able to hold porcelain veneers on to the surface of a tooth permanently.

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H.R. Horn

In 1983, H.R. Horn confirmed in an article in the New York State Dental Journal that composite resins and porcelain could be successfully bonded using a platinum foil technique for veneer fabrication.

Today, with improved cements and bonding agents, they typically last 10-15 years. But patients who receive veneers should understand that they may only last 10-15 years and then may have to be replaced. This can be very expensive since porcelain veneers cost around $1,000 each in 2006 prices. They are said to be somewhat more durable and less likely to stain than veneers made of composite.

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