Porcelain Laminate Veneers
Laminates are wafer-thin shells and they are very fine aesthetic ceramic materials used in anterior teeth. It is applied in cases where the discolorations cannot be removed by bleaching methods, there are gaps between teeth or misalignment, fractures and abrasions. It has advantages of excellent durability, aesthetics and superior hygiene. Compared to other veneers there is minimum tooth tissue loss (0.5-1 mm). It is preferred in front teeth because its main purpose is aesthetic.
It is applied with a very meticulous and sensitive technique. Production stages, taking measurements, adhering require a very special way of working and precision. It is fragile as they are very thin before being adhered. However, it imitates enamel after it is adhered and is quite durable.
With the introduction of porcelain in dentistry, a new era has begun in aesthetic dentistry. In later times, a significant increase has occurred in the durability and aesthetic appearance of porcelain.
In parallel with the increase in material quality, there have been important developments in the area of adhesion (tooth adhesion). In this way, we are now able to apply thin (0.4-0.7mm) sheet porcelain laminate veneers to patients who come to our clinic due to dark discolorations on their anterior teeth, simple crowding, deformities, fractures and superficial defects, instead of thick metal-supported porcelain all around.
When porcelain is this thin, the issue of durability comes to mind immediately. While laminate are very fragile outside the mouth, they become quite durable when adhered to the tooth enamel.
Porcelain crowns are different. It covers the tooth all around and is thicker than laminate. Large amounts of tooth abrasion are required for these restorations. However the depth of porcelain laminates is often limited in enamel. In some cases, it can be applied without any erosion of the tooth surface.
Porcelain laminate veneers are very transparent. Light absorption, reflection, permeability and fluorescence properties are very close to enamel. And thanks to this, they look very natural. They can be very difficult to notice even when looked closely. It almost replaces enamel tissue after it is adhered. It is durable and long-lasting.
The appearance and durability of porcelain laminates are magnificent. It does not harm the gums. It makes an extremely positive contribution to the smile and overall facial appearance of the patient.
