Don’t postpone it! Reward yourself with a perfect set of teeth.
The laminate veneer technique can achieve great results to modifying the shape, size, alignment and color of the teeth.
Laminate veneer technique can provide a miraculous transformation in selected cases by
- Camouflaging tooth discoloration
- Repairing chips, cracks and breaks
- Correction of the minor irregularities in alignment, shape and size
- Closing the gaps between the teeth
Laminate veneer is essentially covering the outer surface of the front teeth with a thin shell. In recent years, laminate veneers have increased popularity mainly because it is a minimally invasive restorative technique. Preparation of the teeth is limited only to the front surface. In some cases, it may even be possible to prepare the laminate veneer with no preparation at all.
Basically two different materials are used for laminate veneers: composite resin and porcelain. Great results can be achieved using both materials but porcelain veneers give superior aesthetic results.
Composite laminate veneer
Composite veneers are lower cost option. The material used for composite laminate veneer is basically dental filling material. Composite veneers are sculpted directly by hand onto the teeth and are usually made in a single visit. The restoration may look dull as the composite resin is porous in structure. Also can pick up stains from coffee, red wine and smoking in the long run. Composite laminate veneers can be repaired when they are chipped and are given a life span of about 5-7 years.
Porcelain laminate veneer
Porcelian laminate veneers look more attractive when they are in place. The surface of the porcelain is sleeker, looks brighter and is easy to clean. It has great colour stability and does not worn out in the long run. They are made in a laboratory and are glued onto the teeth. The porcelain used in the fabrication of laminate veneer is a high technology, reinforced glass porcelain which reflect to its high cost.
Porcelain veneers can last up to 10-15 years depending on aftercare. In rare cases when it breaks, it needs to be renewed.
Composite Laminate Veneer | Porcelain Laminate Veneer |
|---|---|
Low cost (appr. 1/5) | High cost |
Less radiant look | Excellent aesthetic |
Single visit | 2-3 visits |
Direct application by the clinician | Design and production in the dental lab |
Low durability | High durability |
Can be repaired | No reparation |
Stains over time | Great color stability |
TDental plaque accumulation easy | Very good plaque resistance |
For some cases (listed below) laminate veneers may not be the best option:
- If the upper and lower teeth are not in ideal occlusion
- If the teeth are excessively discolored (laminate veneer is too thin to mask the dark color reflection)
- If the teeth are severely crooked
- If you have parafunctional habits such as bruxism or clenching (You may benefit from botulinium injection to get rid of the habit)
People who have laminate veneers should avoid biting very hard foods and bad habits such as biting nails.