Oval Dental Clinic

dental laminates and veneers

What is the Difference Between Dental Laminates and veneers?

Dental laminates and veneers represent two popular cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing smiles without invasive measures. “Dental laminates and veneers also known as veneer vs laminate teeth, are two popular cosmetic procedures aimed at enhancing smiles without invasive measures.” 

These treatments focus on altering the color, shape, and size of teeth, offering non-invasive solutions to improve aesthetics. Unlike crown treatments that often involve significant enamel removal, laminates and veneers typically require only a thin surface layer of tooth, ranging from 0.3 to 0.5 millimeters, to be removed. This amount is approximately half the thickness of a dime or twice that of an eggshell.

  The procedure involves attaching previously prepared porcelain veneers to the tooth surface using a specialized bonding agent. Because of their thinness and absence of metal, these veneers permit partial light penetration, resulting in a natural appearance. As a result, teeth adorned with veneers achieve aesthetic success while maintaining a natural look and feel.

How are dental laminates and veneers applied?

Typically, dental laminates require 2 to 3 appointments for full insertion. So, how are veneers applied? The process entails several stages. Initially, your dentist will prepare your teeth by eliminating a small portion of enamel to ensure an accurate fit. Then, impressions are taken, and your personalized veneers are meticulously crafted in a dental laboratory. Once prepared, your veneers are affixed to your teeth using a unique light beam to activate the bonding agent. Subsequently, your dentist will refine and buff the veneers, trimming them if necessary, leaving you with a naturally radiant smile that will endure for years with proper maintenance.

Before permanently applying the dental veneers, your dentist will temporarily place them over your existing teeth to assess if any adjustments are needed before bonding. Once both you and your dentist are satisfied with the size, shape, and color, dental cement is utilized to secure them to each tooth. A blue light is then directed onto the dental veneers to harden the cement and expedite the bonding process. Upon securely bonding to your teeth, your dentist will polish and refine them. If required, any necessary size adjustments can be made by trimming them down. The bonding material, reinforced by the surface preparation of each tooth, ensures that the veneers remain firmly in place.

How Long Does Laminated Dental Veneer Last?

Another commonly utilized material for veneers is resin-based composite.  Although composite veneers come at a lower cost compared to porcelain, their durability may not match up. The price range for composite veneers varies between $250 and $1,500 per tooth, as per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. To achieve successful outcomes with composite veneers, it’s crucial to have a highly skilled provider, whether a dentist or prosthodontist. On the other hand, porcelain veneers rely on the expertise of a skilled lab technician for optimal results.

Firstly porcelain is widely recognized as one of the most prevalent materials for veneers, primarily due to its thin and translucent nature, resulting in remarkably realistic outcomes.

Secondly, porcelain veneers have earned a reputation for their impressive longevity. According to a 2018 review of multiple studies, porcelain veneers can often endure for 10 years or more, with some cases even lasting up to 20 years. However, certain studies have suggested shorter lifespans for porcelain veneers, which could be attributed to inadequate preparation of the teeth beforehand.

“Dental laminates” and “veneers” are often used interchangeably to describe thin shells bonded to teeth for cosmetic enhancement. While both serve the same purpose, laminates typically imply an even thinner application, though the distinction may vary based on terminology or materials used.
 
 
  1. Porcelain Veneers: These are thin shells of porcelain custom-made to fit over the front surface of a tooth. They are highly durable, stain-resistant, and can be color-matched to blend seamlessly with the natural teeth.

  2. Composite Veneers: These are made from tooth-colored composite resin material and are directly applied and shaped onto the tooth surface. While not as durable or stain-resistant as porcelain veneers, composite veneers are generally more affordable and can be completed in a single dental visit.