WHAT ARE PORCELAIN LAMINATES?

One way that we can make your smile more attractive is to place porcelain laminate veneers or jacket crowns. Porcelain veneers are translucent, thin laminates made to improve the esthetics (shape, spacing, color) of natural teeth, to correct crowding, or to replace composite bonding.

If you already have crowns on your front teeth, replacement with all porcelain jacket crowns may give you a more natural, attractive appearance. It can be used to design smiles, as an alternative to orthodontic therapy in certain case.

Porcelain veneers and crowns are extremely lifelike and hold their brilliance, unlike bonding which often appears bulky or fake. Although porcelain is an extremely translucent material, it is also very strong. Porcelain veneers and crowns are permanent restorations, and they can be expected to last for many years. Also, there are no food restrictions - once they are cemented you can eat normally - porcelain simply covers the imperfections in your own smile!

HOW ARE PORCELAIN LAMINATES MADE?

Porcelain jacket crowns and laminate veneers both require two office visits. At the first appointment we remove any old bonding and prepare the teeth. We also take impressions and choose the shade and shape of the porcelain. When you leave the office, temporary bonding is used to cover the prepared teeth. Approximately one week later, the porcelain veneers or crowns are permanently cemented.

CARE OF DENTAL VENEERS

Care must be taken not to abuse veneers because the thin porcelain shells or composite layers can be damaged or break. Your dentist may advise you against certain uses or dietary tendencies and may recommend you wear a protective appliance while sleeping, especially if you are a bruxer.