Porcelain laminate laminates
Dental Laminates, sometimes called tooth Laminates, can be used to correct both color and shape problems. Tooth Laminates are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing and beautiful smile.
Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.
Often an alternative to crowns, dental Laminates are very thin pieces of specially-shaped porcelain or plastic that are glued over the front of your teeth with little or no anesthesia needed. They are the cure for teeth that are severely discolored, chipped, have small holes or pits, misshapen or crooked, or for the correction of unwanted or uneven spaces.
Tooth Laminates are created from an impression taken in your cosmetic dentist's office. Each of your custom tooth Laminates then glued directly onto your prepared tooth. Typically costing less than crowns, dental Laminates won't stain, making tooth Laminates a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile.
Teeth are prepared for Laminates by lightly buffing to allow for the small added thickness of the veneer. Tooth Laminates are thin like contact lenses, and will usually only need tooth reduction of 0.5mm to 1.0mm. If a drastic change is being made for the result you want, reduction may be 1.0mm to 2.0mm. A mold is taken of the teeth, from which the Laminates are modeled after.
Between your preparation visit and the insertion visit, you can expect some sensitivity to hot and cold. This is normal and is due to the removal of a small portion of the enamel covering of the tooth. This sensitivity should disappear after the placement of your Porcelain Laminates.
Your second visit, the insertion of your Laminates, can be accomplished, once again, with or without local anesthetic. This visit is usually longer in length. The Laminates are placed with a light sensitive resin which is hardened by using a white light.
Temporary Laminates will be placed and worn until your permanent Laminates are ready. While wearing the temporary Laminates, advise your cosmetic dentist of any adjustments or changes you would like made, such as in shape or size. These changes will be translated into your permanent Laminates, so good communication between you and your dentist is important in achieving your new smile.
Your dentist places the Laminates with water or glycerin on the teeth to verify their perfect fit and the shade or color. The color cannot be changed after the Laminates are adhered to your teeth. The tooth is then cleansed with chemicals to achieve a durable bond. Once the glue is between the veneer and your tooth, a light beam is used to harden the glue/cement.
There are two tooth Laminates procedures available now on market that correct discoloration of the teeth by removing the brown and yellow staining. While each work effectively, there are advantages and disadvantages to each procedure dependent upon your objectives and commitment to the processes. The type of procedures available should be discussed with your cosmetic dentist, and a they will recommend the most appropriate tooth Laminates procedure for you.
Composite Veneer Procedure: Laminates are usually performed in a single visit to your cosmetic dentist. The procedure is an application of a bond and enamel directly to the tooth's surface. Porcelain Veneer Procedure: Laminates are a very thin porcelain material. Usually porcelain Laminates require two visits and also require a dental laboratory to create the final tooth restoration piece.
Lumineer Porcelain Laminates typically also require just two visits. But Lumineers are expected to last as long as traditional porcelain Laminates.
Generally speaking, the price of tooth Laminates and whitening increases with the number of in-office treatments required by the patient. Dental insurance does not typically cover the cost of the tooth Laminates procedure. Cost will vary depending on your region, the skill level of your Cosmetic Dentist and the quality of the lab they use.
Porcelain Laminates are common in creating new smiles and smile makeovers. With porcelain Laminates, you can have the smile of your dreams in a very short period of time. Typically Laminates are difficult to stain, making Laminates a very popular solution for many people seeking that perfect smile.
There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up visit to your cosmetic dentist and proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis.
Once placed your tooth Laminates are very strong and will resist most of the forces placed upon them by a normal diet. Porcelain has great crushing strength but poor tensile strength. Therefore, you should avoid anything that will tend to twist the Laminates. Opening pistachio nuts with your teeth, chewing on bones or jelly apples is probably not a good idea. As with most things, common sense should prevail.
Some sensitivity to hot and cold may be experienced after the placement of your Laminates. This relates to the amount of enamel left on your tooth after preparation, the proximity of the nerve as well as several other factors. Some sensitivity is absolutely normal and usually dissipates after one-two weeks. If this sensitivity should remain or concern you at all, please call your dentist.
As there is little to no tooth reduction needed for Lumineer porcelain Laminates, there is a limit to how much smile correction can be accomplished. This can also lead to bulky appearing and feeling Laminates in some cases.
Cosmetic Dentists offering Lumineers are specially trained specifically for this type of veneer which means for the time being there are fewer Cosmetic Dentists offering Lumineers.
Teeth are of course not monochromatic, so typically more than one color is used to create a very natural look. This color variation is critical in avoiding fake or artificial looking teeth. It is the internal contrast of colors that help create vitality. The internal play of light on the porcelain in the restoration helps to create this vitality. Surface texture is also very important, and helps to break up light reflections and make the crown or veneer look more natural.
There is no one standard system in the dental field to measure and determine tooth color. The most often heard about, however, is the Vita shade guide.
Not all of your teeth are the same natural color. Usually your eye teeth tend to be darker than the others, your front teeth are typically the whitest, and molars tend to be a shade between the two. The goal for everyone is to achieve their individual optimum whiteness while still looking natural.
Most dentists will show you a shade chart (like the above mentioned Vita Shade Guide) for you to pick from. Keep in mind, with a good cosmetic dentist this is merely a starting point. Other considerations when determining the color of Laminates for each patient are your complexion, hair color, the color of your natural teeth and even your eye color.
The maintenance of your dental Laminates is relatively simple. And main suggestions here: please brush and floss as you normally would to prevent oral hygiene problems.
