Everyone desires to have beautiful, white, and shiny teeth. One of the ways to achieve this desire is through dental laminates. In this page from Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic, we intend to review all topics related to dental laminates, including their advantages and disadvantages. So, stay with us until the end of this article.
What are Dental Laminates?
Dental laminates are a cosmetic treatment that uses thin layers of porcelain or composite to cover the surface of the teeth, giving them a beautiful and natural appearance. This technique can help improve the color, shape, and size of teeth and correct their aesthetic flaws.
Dental laminates not only help increase an individual’s self-confidence but can also, in some cases, protect teeth against damage caused by eating hard foods. Choosing dental laminates as a treatment option requires consultation with a specialist dentist to achieve the best results.
What are Dental Veneers?
A veneer, according to a reputable article titled “Advances in dental veneers,” is a layer of material placed over a tooth. Veneers can create a wonderfully beautiful smile and also protect the tooth surface from potential damage.
Two types of materials are used to make veneers: composite veneers and porcelain veneers. We will introduce each of these two in the following.
Composite Veneers
Composite veneers, also known as “composite dental” for short, are usually made directly in the mouth by the dentist. The dentist applies the composite layer by layer based on the tooth’s shape onto the individual’s tooth and shapes it.
Composite veneers are mostly used to correct minor dental flaws like chipping or closing gaps between two teeth. The lifespan of this type of veneer is typically 4 to 5 years, and they require annual polishing.
Porcelain Veneers
There are two types of porcelain veneers. If it covers the entire surface of the tooth, it is called a ceramic dental crown, and if it only covers the outer and visible surface of the tooth, it is called a “dental laminate.”
Dental laminates are generally used for extensive smile makeovers. The beauty of laminates is significantly higher compared to other alternative methods. Additionally, they experience less color change and plaque accumulation.
Advantages of Dental Laminates
- Whiter and cleaner teeth
- Repair of fractures and chipping of teeth
- Correction of minor aesthetic dental flaws
- Immediate observation of results
- Restoration of damaged tooth enamel
- Durability and long lifespan
Potential Disadvantages and Complications of Dental Laminates
- Damage to tooth enamel
- Detachment and falling off of laminates
- Sensitivity to heat and cold
- Color change of laminates
- Tooth decay under the laminate
- Possibility of gum disease
Ceramic Dental Laminates
Ceramic dental laminates are a type of very thin coating that adheres to the tooth and is used to fix minor dental problems such as slight crookedness, chipping, and discoloration. This type of laminate hardly changes color and, with proper care, can remain in your mouth for 15 to 20 years, gifting you a beautiful and attractive smile.
Removable Dental Laminates (Snap-On Smile)
Removable laminates, which some people also call “Snap-On Smile,” “Smile Snap,” or even “Movable Composite,” have a function very similar to laminates, and their main application is to cover dental defects.
However, this product is actually a type of removable splint made from non-toxic polymeric materials or dental resin. The removability of these laminates means they are not a permanent restoration, and you can remove them from your teeth whenever you get tired of them.
In fact, you only place them on your teeth when you want to go to an important party or meeting, and after the event, you remove the laminates from your mouth (which is also the right thing to do!).
Applications of Dental Laminates
Typically, ceramic dental laminates are used to improve the following cases:
- Short and small teeth
- Teeth that have changed color
- Teeth that are decayed and worn down
- Teeth that are broken or chipped
- Misaligned, crooked, or misshapen teeth
- Closing gaps between teeth or diastema
Types of Dental Laminates
Types of dental laminates are categorized into the following groups based on their constituent components:
- Glass-based ceramic laminates, which include feldspathic porcelain, IPS Empress, IPS Empress 2, and Emax Press.
- Alumina-based ceramic laminates, which include In-Ceram Alumina, In-Ceram Zirconia, In-Ceram Spinell, and Procera AllCeram.
- Zirconia-based ceramic laminates.
Translucent Edge or Glass Edge Laminates
Translucent edge or clear laminates are thin, onion-skin-like coatings that match the color of the patient’s teeth. This type of laminate is very beautiful and natural due to its ability to reflect light.
The only drawback of this type of laminate compared to other models is the higher probability of fracture when excessive pressure is applied (due to its glassy nature).
Alumina-Based Ceramic Laminates
Alumina laminates are among the strongest laminates used worldwide. However, their aesthetic beauty and attractiveness are less than glass-based models and more than zirconia laminates.
Zirconia-Based Ceramic Laminates
No glass is used in zirconia-based ceramics, and their cracking is very difficult because they are not as permeable as the irregular and scattered network of glass.
This type of laminate is designed and manufactured based on CAD/CAM technology with the help of computers. For this reason, their preparation and manufacturing speed is higher compared to other laminate models.
Procedure for Dental Laminates
In general, the complete steps for performing dental laminates are as follows:
- Initial examination, consultation, and assessment for performing dental laminates
- Repair of damaged teeth
- Scaling and cleaning of the mouth
- Taking a mock-up of the teeth before performing the laminate (optional)
- Color selection of the dental laminate by the patient in consultation with the dentist
- Trimming and preparation of teeth by the dentist
- Taking impressions of the jaw and teeth by the dentist
- Fabrication of dental laminates by the laboratory
- Placement of laminates by the dentist
- Correction of defects by the dentist
- Completion of work and care instructions
Who is Not a Suitable Candidate for Dental Laminates?
In response to this question, it can be said that although laminates are one of the best methods for smile design correction, they may not be suitable for everyone. For example, for those who:
- Have excessively worn teeth.
- Have weak gums.
- Suffer from periodontal disease.
- Do not have healthy tooth enamel.
- Have a habit of grinding their teeth (bruxism).
Additionally, dental laminates are not suitable for:
- Individuals with jaw abnormalities.
- Individuals with severe jaw misalignment who require orthodontics.
- Individuals whose upper jaw teeth do not cover their lower jaw teeth when closing their mouth.
- Individuals who cannot maintain their oral and dental hygiene.
- Individuals who are constantly exposed to trauma to the jaw and face (athletes or kindergarten teachers).
- Individuals who have undergone root canal treatment on their teeth. In this case, a crown is placed on the root-canaled tooth, and laminates are placed on other healthy teeth, which appear visually identical and are indistinguishable.
It is also not suitable. Therefore, if you have conditions similar to any of the above, the possibility of laminating your teeth will not exist.
How Long Does the Dental Laminate Procedure Take?
The process of beautifying teeth with laminates is a 4-stage process, and the duration of each stage is as follows:
- Initial examination, consultation, and design (1 session, approximately 2 hours)
- Tooth preparation and impression taking (1 session, 1 to 2 hours)
- Fabrication of dental laminates in the laboratory (1 to 2 weeks)
- Placement of laminates (1 session, 45 minutes to 3 hours)
However, these numbers and figures are approximate, and factors such as the complexity of the case, the dentist’s skill, the speed of laminate delivery by the laboratory, and the interval between sessions all affect these timings.
Is Getting Dental Laminates Harmful to My Teeth?
There is a misconception among people who want to beautify their teeth that causes them not to choose laminates. That belief is that people imagine their teeth will be shaved for laminates!!!
This belief has caused people to lean towards alternative methods like composite veneers because they do not require tooth shaving. Here, we say that this belief is completely wrong.
A person who intends to undergo cosmetic dentistry generally does not have beautiful teeth. In dental laminates, deformities and fractures of the teeth are first corrected, and if necessary and depending on the type of laminate chosen, 1 to 3 microns of the tooth surface are removed.
This minor shaving is done for 2 reasons:
- For bonding the laminate, a physical grip must be established with the tooth surface.
- Sufficient space must be created for bonding the laminate to the tooth so that the laminate looks uniform like a natural tooth and does not protrude.
It is noteworthy that for composite veneers, sometimes the same amount of shaving is required to create a physical grip between the tooth and the composite.
Because in composite veneers, layers of composite, which are like paste, are placed on the tooth by the dentist, they naturally have a much greater thickness than the material placed on the individual’s tooth.
This does not mean that performing composite veneers is bad or not recommended by us. Even composite veneers are considered a very ideal treatment for repairing or filling empty spaces between two teeth. But in extensive cosmetic treatments, our recommendation, for many reasons, is to perform laminates.
Difference Between Dental Laminates and Composite Veneers
One of the most frequently asked questions by visitors to Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic is about the difference between laminates and composite veneers and which one is better. For this reason, in this section, we will provide explanations about the features of laminates and composites. Ultimately, you decide whether laminates or composites are better for you.
Comparison Table: Dental Laminates vs. Composite Veneers
| Comparison Basis | Composite Veneer | Dental Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Strength | Brittle and less strong | High strength |
| Durability | 2 to 5 years | 10 to 15 years |
| Color Change Over Time | Very high | Very low |
| Scope of Application | Minor dental problems | Wide range of defects |
| Reversibility | Yes | No |
| Treatment Duration | One day | Between 7 to 20 days |
| Added Thickness to Tooth | High | Low |
| Need for Annual Polishing | Yes | No |
| Need for Tooth Shaving | No or very minimal | Very minimal, from half to 3 microns |
| Beauty and Naturalness | Moderate | High |
| Price | Low – Moderate | Moderate – High |
How to Clean Dental Laminates?
Step 1: Regular and Proper Brushing
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush because stiff bristles can damage the surface of your laminates.
- Use toothpastes that are suitable for sensitive teeth and laminates. Toothpastes containing fewer abrasive materials are better.
- Brush your teeth gently and with small circular motions.
- Allocate at least two minutes for each brushing session.
Step 2: Using Dental Floss
- Use dental floss daily to remove food particles from between teeth and under the laminates.
- Use waxed or nylon-coated dental floss.
Step 3: Mouthwash
- Use mild, alcohol-free mouthwashes to clean your mouth.
- After each brushing, use mouthwash to eliminate bacteria.
Step 4: Regular Dental Check-ups
- Visit your dentist every 6 months to have your teeth scaled and to ensure the health of your laminates.
Cost of Dental Laminates and Factors Affecting the Price
Given that laminates fall into the category of cosmetic dental procedures, the cost of dental laminates varies greatly among different dental practices. Generally, 2 important factors influence the cost of dental laminates:
- Dentist’s fees
- Laboratory fees
The dentist’s fees depend on factors such as:
- The skill and artistry of the dentist
- The dentist’s reputation
- The method of tooth preparation by the dentist
- The adhesive and materials used by the dentist for bonding the laminates.
It is important to note that the highest cost incurred by the individual for dental laminates is related to this second part, i.e., the laboratory fees for fabricating the laminates.
Based on this, the price of dental laminates can vary greatly depending on the aforementioned conditions in different clinics and practices. At Dr. Bonyanian’s clinic, we use the best materials for fabricating dental laminates because if the quality of the laminate material is low, the person will suffer from gum inflammation, unnatural-looking teeth, cavities, additional costs for repair, and so on.
Color of Dental Laminates
Dr. Bonyanian explained, by addressing one of the concerns of applicants and candidates for laminate procedures, namely the color of the laminates, that:
Before choosing the color of the laminate, pay attention to your skin tone. If you have dark, olive, or wheatish skin, you should not use very light and pearly white laminates. This will destroy the natural beauty of the laminate. So, only if you have fair and light skin can you use white and cinematic colored laminates.
Despite all these explanations, with any skin tone, you can choose any laminate color you want! The decision is yours. The dentist, in this regard, will only act as an advisor and guide.
In clinics like Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic, a consultation session will be held with the presence of a specialist dentist and yourself before the laminate procedure. You can discuss your preferences and desires with the dentist in this session and make the best decision regarding the color of your dental laminates.
Post-Laminate Care
Adhering to the following points is essential for the best possible maintenance of dental laminates:
- Use dental floss once a day.
- Brush your teeth twice a day with a soft or normal toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
- Do not use your teeth as a tool to open packaging or bite hard objects.
- If you participate in sports that may cause trauma to your teeth, use a custom-made mouthguard.
- If you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding) or clenching at night, be sure to inform your dentist so they can prepare a night guard for you to use at night.
- After consuming staining foods and drinks like turmeric, chips, coffee, etc., rinse your mouth with water at least.
- Visit your dentist every 6 months for a check-up.
Final Summary
As we studied in this article prepared by Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic, dental laminates are one of the most practical and best methods for having a beautiful smile. We learned that laminates can look natural and indistinguishable, similar to a natural, white tooth.
You can use laminates to correct aesthetic dental problems such as color change, uneven shape (short and long), gaps between teeth, and repair of small fractures. This method is considered a quick and painless way to improve the appearance of teeth.
Finally, if you intend to benefit from dental laminate services at Dr. Bonyanian Dental Clinic, you can contact us for a consultation appointment and visit by calling 00982188539720 or visit our clinic located at: Tehran, Arjantin Square, Ahmad Qasir (Bokharest) Street, West Sixth Street, No. 22, Unit 7.
Dr. Nazi Bonyanian
Dental Surgeon (DDS) — Medical Council Number: 138662
Graduate of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences with over 15 years of experience in implants, laminates, and oral and dental surgery.
Address: No. 22, Unit 7, West Alley 6, Bokharest Street, Argentina Sq., Tehran, Iran
Phone: +98-21-88539720 | WhatsApp: +98-912-514-2202
Email: info@drbonyanian.com
Working Hours: Sat–Wed 09:00–20:00 | Thu 09:00–14:00 | Friday Closed
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