Dental laminates and dental veneers are two common procedures done to improve the overall appearances of someone's smile. From color to shape and size, both options ultimately provide non-invasive treatments to unpleasant smiles. But what is the difference between the two?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells placed on the surface of the teeth to improve appearance, giving patients a better-looking smile. The procedure used to place veneers is minimally invasive and requires a small amount of enamel be removed for them to fit.
Dental laminates have the same function as veneers and are sometimes the two terms are used interchangeably. Laminates differ in the sense that they are much thinner and require less amount of enamel to be removed for them to be placed.
Knowing the difference between dental laminates and dental veneers matters because it can help a patient decide which option is best for their teeth and smile needs. For instance, someone with crooked teeth or who has gaps are much better off getting veneers which are more flexible and stabler than dental laminates. However, if the issue is discoloration or minor chips, laminates are a great option because they are lightweight and do not require much enamel removal.
Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are made of two different materials namely composites and porcelain.
Composite veneers are the less preferred choice as they are prone to staining. However, getting composite veneers requires less prep work on the natural teeth and a patient can walk out with them on the same day.
On the other hand, porcelain veneers are typically double the price of composite veneers and require the removal of enamel for their placement. They also cannot be repaired if chipped or damaged. However, they have a natural appearance, are more durable and can last up to ten years.
Placing veneers, especially porcelain veneers, requires the removal of some of the enamel on the teeth and the reshaping of the tooth. This is done in order for the veneer to lay flat and avoid having a bulky, unnatural appearance. This poses a problem because the tooth’s natural protection is removed and the only thing left to protect it is the veneer. While they can be replaced, once the veneer is removed the tooth loses its protection.
Laminates:
Laminates can be referred to as an advanced porcelain veneer as they both share the same function and benefits. However, when placing laminates, the enamel and structure of the tooth do not have to be altered. While this may be better in the long term for the health of the tooth, getting laminates still has its disadvantages.
While laminates are only as thick as a contact lens and a thinner alternative to porcelain veneers, they can be bulky on the teeth when they are placed without altering the tooth. They are also usually more expensive than porcelain veneers.
The decision ultimately lies in the hands of the patient and the dentist with regards to which option is better. This is because the needs of each patient vary and one option usually outweighs the other when personal needs, cost, and other factors are applied.
Dental veneers and dental laminates are great options when it comes to having a smile enhancement. Visit your dentist to find out if you are a suitable candidate and which option would be best for you!
Request an appointment here: https://drcalldental.com or call Dr. Call Dental Center at (706) 425-6240 for an appointment in our Dalton office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates.
Losing multiple teeth can affect not only oral health but also self-confidence, preventing you from fully participating in social situations and living a fulfilling life. Dentures are an effective solution to replace missing teeth, offering functional and psychological benefits. They can restore your smile and ability to speak confidently and chew food efficiently while improving…
Dentures are removable oral appliances that can replace some or all of a person's teeth. Partial and full dentures are among the most widely used tooth replacement options. If you are considering this smile restoration option and are wondering if you should consider full or partial dentures, here are some helpful things to know.Dentures can…
Dental implants are a permanent, functional solution for patients with tooth loss in one or both dental arches. Both partial and full arch dental implants have become more accessible, customizable, and successful for a wide range of patients. However, they have different uses and candidacy requirements. Understanding the differences between these options helps clarify which…
There are more tooth replacement options available today than ever before. Still, a large number of patients still opt for traditional dentures. This option offers advantages other tooth replacements do not, and these advantages make dentures a better choice for some patients.What is meant by “traditional dentures”Traditional dentures are custom-made appliances, usually composed of porcelain…
