Dental laminates, also known as veneers, are thin coatings that match the color of the teeth and enhance the overall appearance of a person’s smile. By placing small pieces of laminate on the teeth, individuals can alter the color, shape, size, or length of their teeth to meet their desired outcome. Laminates offer aesthetic benefits and also increase the strength and durability of teeth compared to natural enamel. Additionally, they can cover misalignments and other tooth defects, resulting in a more uniform and neat-looking row of teeth.
Dental laminates can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. Porcelain laminates are more resistant to stains and have light-reflecting properties that are similar to natural teeth. As a result, some individuals may prefer porcelain veneers over resin composites. It’s important to consult with a dentist to determine the best and most suitable veneer material for your teeth.
Types of dental laminates
Dental laminates are divided into two types:
- Composite Veneers
- Ceramic laminates
Composite Veneers
Composite laminates are more popular due to their customizable color options, small thickness (usually 0.5 mm), and minimal need for tooth preparation. Composite laminates offer additional benefits, such as the ability to modify the smile design and shape it according to the individual’s facial structure. Furthermore, specialized dental professionals can easily provide tooth restoration services for composite laminates.
Ceramic laminates
also known as porcelain veneers, are relatively more expensive than composite laminates. In most cases, tooth preparation and shaping are necessary, and they are typically made in a laboratory. However, ceramic laminates offer a wider range of material choices and levels of transparency, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Due to their higher quality and durability, ceramic laminates are a better option for individuals seeking a long-lasting solution.
Applications of dental laminate
Dental laminates are an excellent solution for correcting contour, shape, and color defects in teeth. They are often used to address the following concerns:
- Discoloration caused by nerve damage, tetracycline or other medications, excessive fluoride intake, or the effects of filling resins, among other reasons.
- Teeth that have become worn down over time.
- Cracked or broken teeth.
- Teeth that are misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped.
- Gaps between teeth that need to be closed.
Overall, dental laminates are a versatile and effective option in cosmetic dentistry for improving the appearance of teeth and achieving a more uniform, aesthetically pleasing smile.
What are the conditions that may prevent people from getting dental laminates?
Dental laminates may not be suitable or recommended for the following individuals:
- Those with tooth decay or active gum disease, as their teeth may be too unhealthy for the procedure.
- Individuals with weakened teeth due to decay, fractures, or large fillings.
- Those with insufficient enamel on the surface of their teeth, as laminates require a certain amount of enamel to bond to.
- People who grind or clench their teeth, as this habit can cause the laminates to crack or break.
It’s important to consult with a dentist to determine if dental laminates are a suitable option for your specific dental needs and situation.
What are the advantages of dental laminate?
- Improving smile aesthetics
- Minimal tooth preparation
- Resistance to discoloration
- Natural appearance
- Durability
- Short treatment time
Improving smile aesthetics
Dental laminates can enhance the appearance of your smile and increase your self-confidence by covering discolored or stained teeth.
Minimal tooth preparation
While some tooth reduction is necessary to install dental laminates, it is minimal compared to other similar procedures, resulting in less damage to the natural tooth structure.
Resistance to discoloration
Dental laminates have high resistance to yellowing and color change, allowing you to enjoy their shine for a longer time by following proper oral hygiene and diet.
Natural appearance
Dental laminates are available in different colors, allowing you to select the closest shade to your natural teeth, resulting in a more natural appearance.
Durability
With proper care and maintenance, dental laminates can be long-lasting, making them a cost-effective option in the long run.
Short treatment time
The treatment duration for dental laminates is relatively short compared to other dental procedures, allowing you to achieve a beautiful smile in a shorter period of time.
Possible Complications and Issues with Dental Laminates
- Impossibility of repair
- Non-reversibility of laminate
- Expensive
- Tooth sensitivity
- Possibility of tooth decay
Impossibility of repair
If a dental laminate breaks or chips, it cannot be repaired and must be replaced entirely.
Non-reversibility of laminate
The process of applying a dental laminate requires removing some of the tooth’s surface layer, making it irreversible. Therefore, people who may want to reverse the procedure in the future may want to consider alternative methods, such as dental composite.
Expensive
Dental laminates can be costly, especially if multiple teeth require treatment.
Tooth sensitivity
After the placement of dental laminates, some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity to hot or cold temperatures.
Possibility of tooth decay
Poorly placed dental laminates or inadequate oral hygiene can increase the risk of tooth decay and gum disease. It is crucial to have the procedure performed by a qualified dental professional.
Dental laminate steps
The preparation of dental laminate usually requires three visits to the dentist’s office, the first time for consultation and the other two times for the preparation and application of the laminate.
- Consultation
- Preparation
- Bonding
Consultation
During a consultation session for dental laminate, you will discuss your desired goals with the dentist. Based on these goals, the dentist will examine your teeth to determine if laminate is the appropriate treatment for you. X-rays may also be taken to provide a more detailed examination of your teeth. Additionally, the dentist may prepare a cosmetic imaging sample to show you what your teeth will look like after the laminate is applied. This will help you make an informed decision about whether or not to proceed with the treatment.
Preparation
Dental laminate requires the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel to create a suitable space for placing the laminate on the tooth. This usually involves removing between three tenths and one millimeter of enamel, which is roughly the same thickness as the laminate coating. This process may or may not require anesthesia, depending on the individual’s level of sensitivity. Once the enamel is shaved, the dentist takes a impression or digital scan of the tooth and sends it to a dental laboratory to create a custom laminate. It typically takes 2-4 weeks for the laminate veneers to return from the lab. During this time, temporary veneers may be used to cover the teeth.
Bonding
The last step is to place the laminate on the tooth. Before permanently gluing the laminate with special cement, the dentist places it on the tooth to check its fit and color. If necessary, it is regularly removed and cut to reach the desired fit. The color of the coating can be adjusted with the shade of the cement used.
He then cleans, polishes and slightly roughens the surface of your tooth to create a stronger connection.After that, he applies special cement, which is usually a light-sensitive resin, to the veneer and places it on your tooth. When the veneer is in place, he shines a special light treatment on it to activate the chemicals in the cement, accelerating its hardening.
Finally, excess cement is removed, the row of teeth is checked and any necessary adjustments are made. The dentist will probably ask you to come for a follow-up visit in the next two weeks.
Maintenance of Dental Laminates
If properly maintained, dental laminates can last between 7 to 15 years. Maintaining laminated teeth is not difficult and only requires following basic principles of oral and dental hygiene such as brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing the mouth with antiseptic mouthwashes. Your dentist may advise you to avoid biting or chewing hard objects that can break or damage the laminate, as well as to avoid smoking and consuming foods and drinks that may cause tooth discoloration such as tea and coffee. Regular dental checkups are also important to ensure the longevity of your laminates.
Dental laminate considerations
- Dental laminate installation is irreversible, meaning that once the enamel is removed, it cannot be replaced or restored.
- If the laminate is cracked or broken, it cannot be repaired and needs to be replaced entirely.
- After the tooth enamel is shaved off during the lamination process, the teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold foods and drinks.
- The color of the laminate cannot be changed after it is fixed on the tooth, which may cause aesthetic issues if it doesn’t match the color of other teeth.
- To prevent the laminate from coming off, it’s important to avoid biting or chewing hard objects.
- Although laminated teeth are less prone to staining and discoloration, they are still susceptible to decay. In severe cases, a complete tooth crown may be necessary instead of a laminate.
