What Are Dental Veneers and Laminates?

Dental Veneers And Dental Laminates Forest Hills, NY

Veneers and laminates are common treatments that aim to improve one’s smile. These tooth-saving procedures are minimally invasive treatments. Each thin shell can cover dental imperfections such as staining. If you want to know more about these two dental restorations, here are the facts.

The definition

Veneers are thin shells that dentists place on the surfaces of teeth to enhance the patient’s smile. These shells are usually porcelain, giving them the same color as natural teeth. To place the shells, the dentist must shave off a thin layer of enamel from the tooth. This allows the shells to fit.

Laminates have the same purpose as dental veneers. Some people think that veneers and laminates are the same. On the contrary, laminates are thinner. During the placement of laminates, dentists must shave off an even thinner layer of enamel.

The differences

Dental veneers are either porcelain or composites. Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant and costlier than composites. These shells need the removal of enamel during placement. These restorations can blend with natural teeth as well. Once these shells are damaged, dentists cannot repair them. The durability of these restoratives makes them last for at least 10 years.

Composites are prone to staining. Even so, dentists do not need to prepare the patient’s teeth that much for the placement of these shells. These shells are quick to make. The patient can get them on the same clinic visit.

Laminates are also called advanced porcelain shells. These are more expensive than veneers. The dentist does not need to remove a layer of enamel during the placement of these shells. Yet, laminates are thinner than veneers. Each is as thin as a contact lens. When laminates go on, the teeth look bulky because the natural teeth stay intact.

The optimal choice

The choice depends on the patient and the dentist. Each patient has a different set of oral health needs. Both veneers and laminates enhance the patient’s smile. The dentist’s assessment will determine which one suits the patient most.

For crooked teeth and tooth gaps, dental veneers can help. These restorations can blend with the patient’s natural teeth. Even if the dentist needs to shave a layer of enamel before the placement of the shells, these restorative shells are more durable. Some of the enamel must come off to strengthen the bond between the teeth and the shells.

Laminates can lengthen small teeth. These restorations are thinner than veneers. The enamel stays intact during the placement of laminates. Because of this, teeth look bulky once the laminates are on the natural teeth.

Dental veneers and laminates are both good treatments for restoring one’s smile

Veneers and laminates are both good choices for restoring teeth. Both of them can cover many dental imperfections. Veneers may be thicker than laminates but if you think laminates are better, costs should not be an issue at all. If you think you need a final word about your choice, you should talk to your dentist. Your dentist’s assessment of your dental health will finalize the choice.

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