Veneers Wagga is a quick and useful way of covering imperfections and improving a smile. A patient may have stained, chipped or worn down teeth and wants to improve their appearance. Some people have gaps in their teeth or have unusually small teeth, this is another area where laminates can be very helpful in improving a person’s cosmetic appearance.
What are porcelain laminates?
Porcelain laminates are carefully crafted shells made from porcelain or composite resin which are fixed to the front surfaces of teeth. A dentist will usually do an analysis of a patient’s smile to establish if laminates are the correct treatment. This assessment of the teeth and gums, as well as the complete oral cavity, is designed to highlight the suitability of coverings for a particular patient. Because everyone is different, laminates have to be customised to your teeths particular shape and colour. Temporary coverings are an option to allow a patient the opportunity to see how they will look after the procedure.
Different types of veneer
Deciding on which type of laminate is suitable depends on the particular problem a patient is trying to have rectified, and a dentist’s guidance is crucial at this stage. Composite resin laminates can be made while a patient waits, allowing for them to be fitted in one visit to the dentist. They also require a minimum of preparation work to a patient’s natural teeth.The procedure involves applying the resin directly to the teeth, where the dentist sculpts it to the shape of the tooth. The resin is colour matched and is hardened after the application of high-intensity light. Depending on the reason for the laminates, a number of layers may be needed to achieve the desired result. On completion of this process, a polishing procedure must be followed to produce a natural teeth representation. Porcelain laminates are made in a laboratory and take more time to make, requiring at least a few return visits.
What is the process
The composite resin laminates are reasonably straightforward, being shaped and completed in a day. Porcelain coverings, however, require extra preparation before they can be fitted requiring at a few visits to the dentist. Normally, temporary coverings will be made to allow a patient to view and feel what having laminates is like. The patient’s feedback is vital to allow the dentist to make whatever alterations are necessary before the permanent porcelain ones are made. Once the porcelain laminates are ready, there is a certain amount or preparation required which involves around 0.5milimeters of tooth reduction to achieve the correct fit. At the final fitting, any alterations to shape or colour can be done before the laminates are finally fitted. The coverings are bonded to the teeth and hardened with the use of ultraviolet light. Any final adjustments are made to ensure that the patient’s bite is comfortable.
After care and attention
Care and maintenance are relatively easy, with brushing and flossing as would be needed for normal teeth. There is a need however to be careful at first when eating hard food and food requiring a lot of chewing. Drinks like coffee and red wine which stain normal teeth will also stain laminates, so added care needs to be taken in the same way as with natural teeth. When playing any contact sport it is recommended that a gum shield is worn for added protection.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
