Dental laminates and dental veneers are the two common procedures done to improve the overall appearance of someone’s smile. From colour to shape and size, both options ultimately provide non-invasive treatments to fix unpleasant smiles. But what is the difference between the two?

WHAT ARE DENTAL VENEERS?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells placed on the surface of the teeth to improve the appearance and give patients a better-looking smile. The procedure used to place the veneers is minimally invasive and requires a small amount of enamel to be removed for them to fit.

WHAT ARE THE DENTAL LAMINATES?

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.

What is the 4 Difference Between the Veneers and Laminates Treatment? And Does This Difference Matter?

Knowing the difference between dental laminates and dental veneers does matter, because it can help a patient to decide which option is the best for their teeth and smile. For instance, someone with crooked teeth or who has gaps in between their teeth are much better off getting veneers which are more flexible and stable than dental laminates. However, if the issue is discoloration or minor chips (burada bir eksiklik var). These are a great option regarding the fact that they are lightweight and do not require much enamel to be removed.

Dental veneers are made of two different materials namely composites and porcelain.

Composite veneers are the less preferred choice as they are prone to stain. 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 the composite veneers and require the removal of enamel to place them on. 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 removing some of the enamel on the teeth to reshape the tooth. This is being done for the veneer to lay flat and avoid having a bulky, unnatural appearance. The problem it causes that the tooth’s natural protection is being removed to apply this treatment, and the only thing left to protect the tooth would be the veneer itself. Even though they can be replaced, once the veneer is removed the tooth loses its protection.

Laminates can be referred as an advanced porcelain veneer as they both share the same function and benefits. However, when placing this material, the enamel and structure of the tooth do not have to be altered. While this may be better in long term for the tooth’s health, getting these materials applied still has its disadvantages.

While these materials are only as thick as a contact lens and a thinner alternative to the 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 would be better. This is because the needs of each patient may 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!

Laminates and veneers will never be as effective as your own teeth, they will be done later (anlamadim). So take a good care of your teeth. Take care of your dental health. Know the value of your teeth.