An introductory guide to this nifty procedure
Are you looking for a way to whiten your teeth without the oxidising gels? Or are you wanting to conceal a crack at the front of your tooth?
An ever-versatile tool, porcelain laminates (also known as a veneer) have been used in dentistry since the 1950s and have helped thousands of people transform their smiles. They are also one of the few dental cosmetic procedures that can also be used to ease sensitivity, conceal minor gaps and create better asymmetry without the use of injections or drills.
So, here is your introductory guide to porcelain laminates. Enjoy!
What are they?
Porcelain veneers Bondi Junction are a thin porcelain covering, made to fit over the front of your teeth when used cosmetically.
If you are having them fitted for restorative purposes, they may be fitted to the back or to cover an entire tooth. They are made by your dentist either by taking a mould or a scan of your teeth. While they are typically made of porcelain, they may also be made from composite.
How are they fitted?
As the porcelain laminates are created in a laboratory prior to their fitting, the process of attaching them to the teeth is extremely simple.
Your dentist will gently sand down the front of your tooth to make the enamel abrasive and will then apply dental cement. Once this is completed on all of the teeth that will have laminates attached, they are placed over the top and left to set. Depending on how many laminates you are having fitted, you may actually be able to walk into a dental surgery with one smile and walk out with another!
And as there are no drills or numbing agents, the entire process is very comfortable too.
How do you look after them?
It is fairly simple to look after porcelain laminates.
You simply clean them twice daily as you would regular teeth and you attend biannual check-ups. It is also wise to refrain from smoking cigarettes and drinking excess quantities of alcohol if you have laminates fitted, as these activities can cause them to fail prematurely.
How long do they last?
With good oral hygiene and appropriate aftercare (such as attending biannual check-ups), your porcelain laminates should have an average lifespan of 15 years.
Of course, if you notice them coming loose or failing before this time, talk to your dentist to explore the reasons behind this.
Can anyone have them fitted?
Unfortunately, no.
If you have an active case of tooth decay or gum disease, then these will need to be seen to before any veneer is fitted. As a word of caution, if you have a family history of gum disease, then you may be unsuitable for laminates.
While a dentist will not state that you cannot have laminates fitted if you smoke, the link between smoking and a shorter lifespan for laminates is so well established, that you may want to give up smoking if you are looking into this cosmetic procedure.
DISCLAIMER
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
