What is Dental Laminates?
Commonly known as veneers, a dental laminate is a cosmetic tooth cover that transforms the way your smile looks. These tooth-shaped shells are attached to the front of your teeth, so they cover up any visible flaws.
The practice of cementing dental laminate over teeth started as a way to make the smiles of movie stars look more attractive. Many celebrities known for their amazing smiles have veneers covering the front of their teeth.
The procedure is now available for everyone, and it can be used to address issues like discolored, deformed, chipped, crooked or short teeth. Veneers can also be used to fix minor teeth alignment issues, but only when the patient has other issues that justify using veneers.
The pros
Dental laminates have always been a top option when it comes to improving a smile. Many benefits come with getting laminates. Placing these thin, custom-fit shells over each tooth can hide any stain or discoloration. People often resort to getting them if teeth-whitening treatments are not effective.
Dental stains from excessive fluoride and prescription medications are too stubborn and deep. Ordinary teeth-whitening procedures cannot remove the stains anymore. It may seem hopeless, but dental laminates can help. Lighter-colored laminates can cover the teeth with deep staining.
Some unexpected situations result in broken, worn, or chipped teeth. This is where laminates can be a quick solution. Laminates can hide the chipping or any type of damage. These restorations can improve one tooth or even multiple teeth.
Dental laminates can also fix uneven and misaligned teeth. These can even treat craters and bulges. Trimming off a small amount of enamel helps the thin shells to stay on the dental surfaces better. It also helps prevent overcrowding.
Laminates can also remove the gaps between teeth. These gaps can lead to dental shifting and jawbone deterioration. Placing laminates on teeth can close those small gaps. This can prevent more dental problems from occurring.
These dental restorations can match the natural color of teeth. This allows them to blend in the mouth without any problem at all. Patients can even choose the level of whiteness. The effects of dental laminates are permanent. There is no need for reshaping or adjustments anymore.
The cons
Picking laminates is a huge decision. Having these restorations on needs a lifetime commitment. The treatment is permanent. Each shell will adhere to each tooth. Repairs cannot happen if a shell chips off.
Even if the shells are porcelain, the patient must still watch the food choices. The patient cannot have crunchy or hard foods. These substances might break the shells. Once the shells crack or break off, there is no way to repair them.
There will be some tooth sensitivity to temperature. After all, the dentist needs to shave off some of the enamel layers. This can cause some degree of discomfort. Another downside is the formation of cavities. People with dental laminates can still have tooth decay underneath the shells. That is why optimal dental care is a requirement with these laminates.
How is the Dental Laminates treatment done?
The first appointment with the dentist, before the laminates are attached to your teeth, might involve an X-ray so that the doctor can have a clear picture of the insides of your mouth.
After this the dentist would perform a tooth enamel cleansing routine where a part of your teeth enamel would be removed. The amount of enamel that is removed equals the measurement of the dental laminates that are to be attached.
The operation is conducted once the laminates arrive. But, before implanting them finally, the dentist would place them against your teeth to check whether they correspond well to the shape of your original teeth. Depending on the dentist’s assessment the veneers would be trimmed or the shade would be modified. When the dentist is happy with the result, he/she will trim, etch and polish your teeth. After that the veneers would be attached. The dentist will complete the procedure by applying a light beam on your tooth that will set the chemicals in the cement into motion and the laminates will easily be hardened. After the procedure there will be a follow-up dental check up where the dentist will check whether the gums are reacting positively to the veneers.
Dental Laminate Advantages
Dental laminates, also known as veneers, are thin, custom-made shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to improve their appearance. Some advantages of dental laminates include:
- They can be used to change the color, shape, size, or length of teeth
- They can improve the appearance of teeth that are stained, chipped, or have gaps between them
- They can make the teeth look more symmetrical and even
- They can be an alternative to traditional orthodontic treatment for some patients
- They are durable and can last for many years with proper care
It’s important to note that dental laminates are not suitable for everyone, and the best course of treatment will depend on the individual’s needs and goals. A dentist will be able to advise you on whether dental laminates are a good option for you.
Dr. Sushila Malik
Changing the face of dentistry in Baner, Dr. Sushila Malik presents her dream CRAFT32, a state of art dental clinic in baner Pune.
Dr Sushila Malik is specialist Endodontist (Gold medalist) and founder of CRAFT32 DENTAL CARE, Pune with around two decades of service behind the smiles of her patients.
She also has national and international presentations and publications to her credit. She researched extensively on root canal morphology of premolar tooth and published in renowned international journal. She also wrote and published book on interacanal medicaments. Dr. Sushila Malik succeasfully conducted many house full endodontic and rubberdam courses for dentist to teach them the latest advancements in dentistry.
She is also consultants to some of the hospitals and clinics.
A gifted clinician, she has earned the respect of her patients and colleagues with her broad spectrum of clinical skill and is notably popular for her excellent chairside manner and empathy for her patients. She keep herself abrest with the latest dental technologies. She believes in preventive regimens and meticulous recalls and diet analysis to prevent any extensive procedures for the little ones.
We are committed to creating a calm, pleasant atmosphere for the patients, while maintaining the strictest hygiene standards. Everything we do is aimed at making you feel comfortable, while we take care of your oral Healthcare.
We provide all dental services under one roof, we take health of your teeth seriously and we are committed to providing the most outstanding care in Pune.