Patients who want to improve the appearance of their smiles may consider dental veneers or laminates. Although people often use the two terms interchangeably, they have some differences. Both procedures can help improve a patient’s smile. Knowing the difference between them can help you choose the best option for you.
From color to size and shape, dental veneers and laminates can provide a solution for people who want a better-looking smile. These procedures are available at Smile Solutions in Pittsburg and the surrounding area. Call us at 620-317-0286 to schedule a consultation and learn which option is the best for you.
Top Reasons People Choose Dental Veneers
Dental veneers can instantly improve a person’s smile. From small cosmetic issues, such as white spots on the teeth, to more significant problems, such as broken teeth or wide gaps, veneers can hide a lot. Therefore, many people opt for veneers instead of orthodontics or crowns, especially if they only have a few teeth that need treatment.
Some people also choose laminates to get a whiter smile, especially if their teeth have significant, irreversible staining, as the kind of staining people get from tetracycline exposure. The American College of Prosthodontists explains that people with extensive tooth decay should not consider getting veneers until after removing the decay. People who grind their teeth (a condition known as bruxism) should discuss this with their dentist first. Although teeth grinding can damage veneers, mouthguards can be worn at night to protect them.
- From small cosmetic issues, such as white spots on the teeth, to more significant problems, such as broken teeth or wide gaps, veneers can hide a lot.
Choosing Between Different Types of Dental Veneers
Although there are many ways to improve the appearance of a person’s smile, there are only two basic types of veneers:
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers (sometimes called indirect veneers) are usually made in a lab, although some dentists have the skills and technology to make them in the office. They are very strong, especially after bonding to the teeth, and they do not stain easily. A considerable amount of preparation is required before porcelain veneers can bond to the teeth. For example, it may be necessary to reshape the teeth by removing some of the enamel. This is to ensure that the laminates can adequately bond to the teeth and to avoid having the teeth look too big once the veneers are in place.
Many patients experience sensitivity after having their teeth altered in this way, but it goes away over time. A study published in the journal Clinical Oral Investigations even found that porcelain veneers could be bonded to existing composite restorations without apparent disadvantages. If porcelain veneers are created in a lab, the patient has to wait for them to be made and return at a later date to have them put on.
Composite Resin Veneers
Composite resin veneers (sometimes called direct veneers) can be done in one appointment because they are created directly on the patient’s teeth. The tooth preparation for composites is less invasive than for porcelain. Whereas enamel is removed to make room for porcelain veneers, it only needs to be texturized a little for composite resin veneers to adhere correctly.
Applying composite resin veneers is an art form. The dentist applies thin layers of resin to the tooth and uses a special light to cure each layer before applying the next one. When enough layers are built up, Smile Solutions sculpts the resin to match the teeth. The result is better-looking teeth, and no one can tell they are not natural.
A study published in the Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences concluded that porcelain veneers have excellent longevity and esthetic properties, but that composites are a good alternative. The drawback of composites is that they do not last as long. On the other hand, if a patient’s teeth are healthy, they may not want to have them permanently altered to make way for porcelain veneers, and composites may be the way to go. Ultimately, it is up to the patient and practitioner to decide together.
- Although there are many ways to improve the appearance of a person’s smile, there are only two basic types of veneers.
Placing Dental Veneers
To place porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist must remove enamel from the tooth’s surface so the thin shell can adhere to it. A dental lab technician then creates custom veneers with tooth molds and color-matches them to the patient’s teeth. Then the shells are bonded to the patient’s teeth using special dental cement.
For composite resin veneers, we remove the tooth enamel first. The composite resin, which matches the natural enamel, covers and reshapes the teeth to improve the appearance. After, a special light seals the resin to the underlying teeth. Finally, we file the veneers to achieve a natural appearance.
- To place porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist must remove enamel from the tooth surface so the thin shell can adhere to the tooth.
Dental Veneer & Laminate Aftercare
The Canadian Dental Association explains that good dental hygiene is essential to maintain the appearance and function of new veneers. Brushing and flossing after meals and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups are critical aspects of proper maintenance. Skipping these steps can cause decay and cavities to develop between or under the veneer shells.
Veneers and laminates can also crack, break, or loosen under pressure. Patients should avoid chewing hard candies, ice, or similar items. During the first few days after the procedure, patients should stick to soft foods and avoid consuming nuts, hard bread, popcorn, and seeds. Wearing a bite guard at night can help prevent grinding that may wear down veneers. Veneers are more prone to staining than laminates, so we also recommend patients avoid substances like tobacco, red wine, and coffee.
- Brushing and flossing after meals and visiting the dentist for regular check-ups are critical aspects of proper maintenance.
Frequently Asked Questions
Quality Dental Services Can Transform Your Smile
By visiting us as soon as possible, our team can help get you the professional treatment you need. Instead of waiting around and allowing the symptoms to get worse, we can provide you with treatment options.
Dental Terminology
An allograft is a graft of tissue from a donor within the same species as the patient that is not a genetic relative.
The alveolar ridge is the bony ridge for one of the jaw ridges located on the roof of the mouth or on the bottom of the mouth.
A cap splint is a plastic or metallic device that professionals may use to treat mandible or maxillary fractures and cover crowns of teeth.
Cosmetic dentistry is generally used to refer to any dental work that improves the appearance (though not necessarily the function) of a person’s teeth, gums, and/or bite.
Crown lengthening is a surgical procedure that increases the extent of a tooth structure for restorative or esthetic purposes.
A crown is an artificial tooth, usually consisting of porcelain, which covers the top of the implant to provide people with an aesthetically pleasing and fully-functional tooth.
Dentin hypersensitivity occurs when the enamel wears down on the tooth enough that the dentin is exposed, and it will cause great levels of pain when a person applies pressure to the tooth or drinks hot/cold beverages.
A dentist, also known as a dental surgeon, is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the oral cavity.
An autograft is a graft of tissue from one portion of an individual’s body to another.
Choose The Right Procedure For Your Needs
Dental laminates and veneers are great options for smile enhancement. Patients should consider different factors, like personal needs and costs, before making a decision. Our team at Smile Solutions is here to answer your questions and help you choose the right procedure. Call us today to schedule an appointment.