Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates
Porcelain Veneers and Dental Laminates
If you're looking to enhance the appearance of your smile, you may want to consider dental veneers or laminates. While these terms are often used interchangeably, they do have some differences. Both procedures can help improve your smile, so understanding the distinction between them can help you make the right choice.
Whether you're looking to change the color, size, or shape of your teeth, dental veneers and laminates can offer a solution for achieving a more attractive smile. These services are offered at Cedar Grove Dental Group in Cedar Grove, NJ and the surrounding area. To find out which option is best for you, call us at (973) 857-0567 to schedule a consultation.
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Both dental laminates and veneers can enhance a patient's smile, but they have important differences to consider. Laminates are lighter and less durable than veneers, and while they can whiten teeth, they are not suitable for dental repairs. Laminates are thinner than veneers and require less enamel removal, which can be better for long-term tooth health. However, they can be more costly than veneers and may appear bulky on the teeth if placed without altering the tooth shape or enamel.
“Laminates are much thinner than veneers and require less enamel removal.”
Discover the benefits of Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin coverings made of porcelain or composite resin that are used to fix minor damage and enhance the appearance of teeth by covering stains or discoloration. Common issues that veneers can address include gaps, misshapen teeth, cracks, chips, staining, and discoloration. To ensure a proper fit, patients may need to have some enamel removed and teeth reshaped before the veneers are applied.
Patients have the option to choose between porcelain veneers and composite resin veneers. Porcelain veneers are known for their durability and resistance to staining, making them last longer than composite resin veneers. However, composite resin veneers can be completed in a single dental visit and are more cost-effective, although they may be more prone to breakage. Overall, the choice between the two types of veneers depends on the patient's preferences and needs.
“Dental veneers are thin coatings of porcelain or composite resin covering the teeth to repair minor damage and improve the appearance of stains or discoloration.“
Dental Veneers Placement
Porcelain veneers require the cosmetic dentist to remove enamel from the tooth's surface in order to adhere the thin shell. Custom veneers are then created by a dental lab technician using teeth molds and color-matched to the patient's teeth. These shells are then bonded to the patient's teeth with special dental cement.
In the case of composite resin veneers, tooth enamel is also removed initially. The composite resin, which matches natural enamel, is used to cover and reshape the teeth for an improved appearance. A special light is then used to seal the resin to the underlying teeth. Finally, the veneers are filed to achieve a natural look.
“To place porcelain veneers, the cosmetic dentist must remove enamel from the tooth surface so the thin shell can adhere to the tooth.”
Aftercare for Dental Veneers and Laminates
The Canadian Dental Association emphasizes the importance of maintaining good dental hygiene to keep new veneers looking and functioning their best. It is crucial to brush and floss after meals, as well as attend regular check-ups with the dentist. Neglecting these steps can lead to decay and cavities forming between or under the veneer shells.
In addition, veneers and laminates can be damaged under pressure, so patients should avoid chewing on hard candies, ice, or similar items. In the days following the procedure, it is best to stick to soft foods and avoid nuts, hard bread, popcorn, and seeds. Using a bite guard at night can help prevent grinding that may wear down the veneers. Veneers are more susceptible to staining than laminates, so patients are advised to steer clear of tobacco, red wine, and coffee.
