When most people consider undergoing cosmetic dentistry, they may have concerns about the range of treatments available and the cost.
For instance, if you are somebody who has teeth which are less than pearly white and you have a slight misalignment alongside some spacing issues, you may be concerned about splashing out money on orthodontic treatments alongside dental whitening. However, if you are somebody that has these issues, then there may be a more straightforward option available for you in the form of porcelain laminates.
Porcelain laminates are a kind of update to composite bonding and involve the placement of porcelain coverings over your teeth. They have a very glamorous look and with correct care, they can last as long as 20 years or more.
With that in mind, in this article you will be guided through what is involved in having porcelain laminates fitted, to help you understand the procedure and consider it as a treatment for your cosmetic dental concerns.
What are porcelain laminates?
Porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers Bondi Junction are thin custom-fitted pieces of porcelain which are placed over the front of your teeth. They are created when your cosmetic dentist either takes a mould of your teeth or uses an intraoral scan to record the shape of your teeth before sending this to a laboratory, where the laminates are made from scratch.
What can they treat?
Porcelain laminates can treat a wide range of dental problems and not only cosmetic ones.
They can whiten your smile instantly, and up to as many shades as you wish, while also being suitable for treating minor spacing and misalignment issues. But they can also be used to treat issues with dental sensitivity. Dental sensitivity is usually caused when you have microscopic holes in your teeth which are exposing the pulp or the nerve to the external stimuli of your mouth. As a laminate protects your tooth enamel and covers these holes, this should reduce any pangs that you get when consuming hot or cold beverages and food.
The fitting
The fitting of porcelain laminates is straightforward. Your dentist will gently sand down the front of the tooth that the laminate is going to be placed on and will then put some dental cement onto the surface. The laminate will then be pressed down and once the cement is set; the treatment is completed. This is a painless procedure and will not require any numbing or anaesthetic.
Aftercare
The aftercare of porcelain laminates is also exceedingly straightforward. You simply need to brush and floss them every day as you would your regular teeth and attend dental check-ups every 6 months. This is to ensure that you do not have gum disease, as this can cause the laminates to fall out prematurely.
Longevity and dental hygiene
Provided that you stick to this aftercare and general upkeep, your porcelain laminates will easily last up to and over 20 years. But, as mentioned earlier, you will need to keep an eye out for things like gum disease which can be problematic if you have a family history of it or have had it before, as this can cause the laminate to fall out prematurely due to swelling.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner