Veneers are currently a game changer in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Coming in different types; laminate veneers, Lumineers, and composite veneers; the treatment caters to a versatile range of people.
Some options are more affordable, others more durable; but all effective smile restoration treatments. Regardless of the diverse types of veneers, in this article we will exclusively focus on the laminate veneers.
What Are Laminate Veneers?
To understand what laminate veneers are, we need to go over what dental veneers are. Put simply, veneers are slim shells that go on the front of your teeth to hide underneath them all your smile flaws. This method gives you a quick and lasting makeover.
Now that we’re over that, laminate veneers otherwise known as porcelain are a subcategory of veneers. They are not as slim as Lumineers, and come at a thickness of 0.7 mm, making them the thickest type of veneers.
They can only be made from porcelain, unlike composite veneers. But, because of their thickness they tend to be the most effective treatment for a vast array of dental issues.
Hence, why we refer to them as laminate veneers. These special traits give laminate veneers numerous benefits and purposes in the field of dentistry.
Laminate veneers VS lumineers?
With every Lumineer, your dentist does not have to file down your enamel to make room for the prosthetic. Because the average thickness of Lumineers veneers is around 0.3 mm, Lumineers are the only type of veneer that doesn’t require filing down your enamel. Read more: Veneers without Shaving Teeth, What Are My Options?
Instead, all your doctor has to do it take impressions of your mouth, usually using a mold which you will have to bite on. This mold is then sent to an off-site laboratory to manufacture your custom veneers.
Because Lumineers don’t require filing down your teeth, patients don’t have to wear temporary veneers until their permanent veneers are ready
On the other hand, laminate veneers come at a thickness of 0.7 mm. And given their dimensions, they need space to fit with a natural appeal on the teeth.
Hence, your dentist has to remove a small layer from your tooth. This process is completely painless. After this, your doctor gives you temporary veneers to wear until your final ones are ready.
What Can Laminate Veneers Fix?
To know the difference between laminate veneers and Lumineers in terms of efficacy, let us look at the issues that each type is capable of fixing.
Lumineers are a lot slimmer than regular veneers, they fix moderate cosmetic issues. So although they do cover just as much cosmetic problems, they are only suitable for cases that are not severe.
These include the following:
- Mild to moderate pigmentation.
- Faint overcrowding.
- Worn out teeth.
- Gaps and chipping.
Sometimes your dentist might use a variety of treatments with the laminate veneers to achieve your aesthetic goals. For instance, dental crowns, or dental implants.
With laminate veneers, the scope of treatment is. much bigger. In fact, they can treat any issue regardless of severity. From:
- Severe pigmentation
- Moderate crowding
- Worn out teeth
- Chipping and gaps.
What are Laminate veneers made from?
Laminate veneers are made from porcelain at a thickness of 0.7 mm. So they are the same material as Lumineers veneers but differ from composite veneers.
Will I have to remove my enamel for the procedure?
Yes, during treatment, your dentist will have to file down your teeth to make space for the laminate veneers. Consider Lumineers if you would like to a void this step. But keep in mind that unlike laminate veneers, Lumineers are not suitable for everyone. In fact they cannot treat all cosmetic issues.
Laminate Veneers Procedure
During the procedure, your dentist will begin with a thorough examination of your oral health. Following this, and if your dental health is in an ideal state, your dentist will begin studying your features and discussing your aesthetic goals.
After filing down your teeth, your dentist will ask you to bite onto a mold take impressions of your mouth. Once this is done, they’ll send this mould to an off-site laboratory to manufacture your veneers.
Of course, factors such as shade and shape are all taken into consideration. Laminate veneers are very flexible when it comes to design which is a bonus when customizing your smile. For color matching, your dentist will use a shade guide to match your laminate veneers to neighboring teeth.
Sometimes, they may also use several shades on a single veneer to achieve a natural look. Likewise, your dentist will also take the degree of translucency into consideration. Different regions of your the same laminate veneer may need to be more translucent than others.
You can leave the dentist’s office with temporary veneers. Once your laminate veneers are ready, your doctor will cement your permanent veneers to your teeth using an etching gel.
Will You Need Anesthetic?
Typically, because the procedure is not invasive there will be no need for anesthetic. But if you will feel more at ease with it, you can discuss your sedation and numbing options with your dentist.
How Long Do Laminates Last?
Laminate veneers have a longevity period of around 8 to 15 years. By then and much like our natural teeth, they will begin to wear out. In this case, you can go for your touch-up at the dentist again and get a new set of laminate veneers.
To make your laminates last longer, you can avoid certain habits such as using your teeth to open objects. Likewise, avoiding hard foods and pigmenting drinks can all contribute to the longevity of your laminates.
You can also schedule annual visits to the dentist so any potential issues can be detected early on before evolving into a real problem. It also goes without saying that you need to practice good oral hygiene. While the laminate veneers may not decay, your real teeth can as well as the gums.
Read more: How Long Will My Veneers Last?
Contact Us
At Vera Smile we offer free online consultation with medical experts. If you wish to find out if you are suitable for laminate veneers, please book an appointment with us.
You will be put in contact with one of our medical specialists who will assess your case and address all your concerns regarding laminate veneers and cosmetic dentistry in general. Fill out the form here and we will get back to you right away.