Veneers and Laminates

Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or plastic that are custom-made to fit over your teeth. They are an option for correcting stained, chipped, or crooked teeth. Veneers are placed on top of your teeth, similar to a false fingernail. To place veneers, your doctor will first take an impression of your teeth. This impression will then be used by a dental technician to fabricate your veneers. Before placing your new veneer, your doctor may need to conservatively prepare your tooth to achieve the desired aesthetic result.

Veneers are used to cover imperfections, such as stains or chips. Veneers can be used to make your smile look more uniform as well.

Veneers can be used to remedy the appearance of a single tooth or several teeth. They can correct the appearance of teeth that are gapped, crowded, or crooked. Veneers are also a very popular solution for discolored teeth.

Who Should Get Veneers?

Veneers are considered cosmetic dental prosthetics. Your dentist may recommend them if you have teeth that are chipped, stained, or gapped or if you have crooked teeth.

How Long Do Veneers Last?

With proper care, veneers can brighten your smile for well over a decade.

Benefits of Veneers

Veneers cover the front of your teeth to improve the appearance of your smile. They are custom-made to resemble your natural teeth, giving you a natural appearance. Moreover, they resist stains and cover chips, cracks, and other imperfections.

What Are Dental Laminates?

Dental laminates are thin shells of porcelain or other materials. Like veneers but thinner, laminates are custom-made shells meant to cover the front side of your teeth, effectively altering the color, shape, size, or length of your teeth. Placing laminates requires two appointments, which are spaced out about one to two weeks apart.

Advantages of Dental Laminates

Dental laminates can complete a variety of cosmetic treatments. Not only can they improve the appearance of your smile, but they can also protect your teeth from further damage. For instance, dental laminates can help prevent tooth decay from starting, and they can also repair teeth that are chipped, cracked, or decaying.

Dental Laminates Procedure

Laminates are placed the same way veneers are placed, except that a lesser amount of the tooth’s surface is removed to accommodate laminates. When dental laminates are used for a restorative procedure, they are typically applied over a tooth that has been treated with a filling or crown. Laminates are made in a dental lab, and when they are ready, the laminates will be placed over the tooth. They will need to be checked periodically to make sure they are still in good shape.