Your new white smile with dental laminates
Dental Laminates, sometimes called tooth Laminates, can be used to correct both color and shape problems. Tooth Laminates are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing and beautiful smile.
Aside from staining, there are other factors that can affect the color of an individual's teeth. Genetics can play a role. Some people have naturally brighter enamel than others. Disease can also be a factor and certain medications can cause a discoloration of the teeth. If you suspect that there is an underlying medical cause for your teeth discoloration, be sure to inform your cosmetic dentist.
Unlike crowns, dental Laminates won't require the dentist to remove much of the tooth itself in most cases. It is important to ask your cosmetic dentist how much tooth will be removed. In some cases more tooth will need to be removed, which may increase the risk of trauma to the tooth.
In your first appointment, it is important to initially discuss with your cosmetic dentist that you will want to "try in" your tooth Laminates with temporary cement that is the same color cement as will be used for the permanent attachment. During this "try-in" phase, be sure to look at your tooth Laminates in natural light in addition to the office light.
Dental Laminates require a minimal amount of tooth reduction ( approximately .5 mm ) and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. More, Tooth Laminates allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color.
Temporary Laminates will be placed and worn until your permanent Laminates are ready. While wearing the temporary Laminates, advise your cosmetic dentist of any adjustments or changes you would like made, such as in shape or size. These changes will be translated into your permanent Laminates, so good communication between you and your dentist is important in achieving your new smile.
Strong and very durable, porcelain dental Laminates last from ten to fifteen years, and come in colors that will brighten dark teeth without the worry of them changing color. Tooth Laminates are typically done in only two one and a half hour long appointments, and can actually strengthen your tooth.
There is no additional maintenance, other than a follow-up visit to your cosmetic dentist and proper brushing and flossing on a daily basis.
Approximately one week after the placement of your Laminates you will be asked to return to the office for a treatment evaluation. This visit is extremely important. It gives your dentist the opportunity to evaluate the placement of the Laminates, the tissue response and to answer any questions you might have regarding your new smile.
Once placed your tooth Laminates are very strong and will resist most of the forces placed upon them by a normal diet. Porcelain has great crushing strength but poor tensile strength. Therefore, you should avoid anything that will tend to twist the Laminates. Opening pistachio nuts with your teeth, chewing on bones or jelly apples is probably not a good idea. As with most things, common sense should prevail.
If you suffer from bruxism, clenching or grinding of your teeth, Laminates can be damaged, chipped or cracked from this. If you suffer from bruxism, speak with your cosmetic dentist about wearing a mouth guard at night to protect your new smile.
As there is little to no tooth reduction needed for Lumineer porcelain Laminates, there is a limit to how much smile correction can be accomplished. This can also lead to bulky appearing and feeling Laminates in some cases.
When considering Laminates a common question is how white the Laminates should be. Usually, the answer is to whiten your natural teeth to either the level of whiteness you want or to the brightest they can be. Your cosmetic dentist will then have the Laminates made to that color.
Most dentists will show you a shade chart (like the above mentioned Vita Shade Guide) for you to pick from. Keep in mind, with a good cosmetic dentist this is merely a starting point. Other considerations when determining the color of Laminates for each patient are your complexion, hair color, the color of your natural teeth and even your eye color.
Once placed, tooth Laminates are typically the kindest restoration to the gum tissues that we currently have in our prosthetic armamentarium. Do not be afraid that you will damage your Laminates by either flossing or brushing. Any non-abrasive tooth paste is acceptable. A good home care regimen will insure the esthetic success of your Laminates restorations for years to come.
