Laminate porcelains are very thin ceramic materials used especially in the front group teeth. It is applied to people who are not satisfied with the shape and color of their teeth, who have broken, worn, overlapping teeth, and who have diastema (a gap between teeth). It is one of the most conservative (protective) treatments that can be done.
There is a protection due to the fact that the tissue removed from the tooth is very little. It is sufficient to remove an average of 0.3-0.7 mm of tooth tissue. Veneers are prepared and bonded in the desired color and form. Since they are very thin and do not contain metal, they are very successful in terms of aesthetics.
Laminate veneers have a unique ability to allow light to pass through, making the teeth they are applied to look completely real. With this feature, they look like real teeth in flash and disco lights. (In these lights, veneers with metal inside appear as black spots as if they are not in the mouth). However, the light transmittance of laminates also varies depending on the porcelain used and the manufacturing technique.
The treatment process is short. In the first examination, a measurement is taken from the patient before the teeth are cut. With this model, a mock-up (rehearsal study) is applied from a special material in the laboratory. The doctor and the patient have the chance to agree on this 3-dimensional model. Thus, you have the chance to see how your teeth will look in 3 dimensions before they are cut.
Then, the teeth are prepared with a short and painless procedure, and measurements are taken. Plastic temporary veneers made in the form and length that you and your doctor decide on together are bonded. These are also important in terms of protecting your teeth until the porcelain veneers arrive. At the same time, these temporary ones serve as a second 3-dimensional model for the necessary corrections. The harmony of the teeth with the face is checked, and the ideal smile suitable for the face is determined with the necessary abrasions and additions. Porcelain veneers are prepared and bonded in the laboratory according to this model.
Although porcelain veneers are very thin, they are very resistant to breakage when bonded. The bonding process is carried out with a special method (bonding resin) and it is not possible to separate the laminate veneer from the tooth after bonding. However, they can be removed by abrasion like natural teeth.
Laminates cannot be distinguished from natural teeth due to the fact that they require minimum preparation, are not stained with agents such as cigarettes, tea, coffee, and their light transmittance properties. Therefore, they have become the most ideal aesthetic treatment method applied today.
- Since very little tissue is removed from the tooth (0.3-0.5 mm), it is the most protective treatment that can be done. No tooth needs to be cut extra.
- The treatment period is short. You will have a brand new smile in 2 or 3 appointments.
- With the model that will be prepared specifically for you, you can see what your teeth will look like in your own mouth in 3D before they are cut.
- When done with the right indication, the right technique and a good smile design, they are teeth that are integrated with the person's face so much that they cannot be noticed by other people.
Advantages
- Since they have a light transmittance feature, it is not possible to separate them from natural teeth. The more light transmittance a laminate veneer has, the more natural the result is.
- The very well-polished porcelain surface minimizes tartar formation.
- It does not change color with external factors such as coffee, tea, cigarettes.
- It is quite fragile as a material. However, when it is fully bonded to the enamel, its resistance to tensile and pulling forces increases greatly. For example, it is not possible to remove a bonded veneer from the tooth as a whole. However, it can be removed by abrading the tooth surface with diamond burs.
- Since the surfaces of the teeth facing the tongue are the original tooth surface, the tongue does not feel any foreignness.
Disadvantages
- It is more costly than other treatment alternatives.
- It is a delicate technique. It requires good clinical and laboratory work. The doctor and dental technician must have full technical knowledge and artistic talent on this subject.
