Most people have seen photographs online of celebrities who suddenly obtained brighter, whiter smiles that also look straighter. Nothing new in Hollywood!
But, what most people do not realise is that the method behind this brightening can be found worldwide and is not confined to Rodeo Drive. Many dentists are now able to offer treatment to their patients that can whiten their teeth, straighten them (if the misalignment is minor) and close small gaps. And that treatment is delivered in the form of porcelain laminates.
This treatment does hail from Hollywood, but you will be able to find it offered at the majority of cosmetic dental surgeries. Curious to learn more? Here are 5 common queries about these embellishments answered.
How are they fitted?
Porcelain laminates, also known as veneers in London, are fitted with a simple procedure, which involves your dentist gently removing part of the front of your teeth and then, using dental cement, they will attach the laminates to your teeth.
Prior to this, you will need to attend an assessment where your teeth and oral health are assessed for suitability. If there are no signs of active decay or gum disease, your dentist will usually use an intraoral scanner to take an image of the teeth that the laminates are to be fitted to. Then, they are attached to the tooth with dental cement, and once it has set, you are good to go!
Do my teeth need to be filed down?
There are many images online of celebrities who have had laminates fitted and have their teeth filed down into points. This is very unusual and does give the procedure a very unappealing vibe!
But, most dental surgeries will only take a small amount of the enamel on the front of your tooth off (which will not hurt) and will then fit the laminate.
Will they fall off?
It is very unlikely that your composite laminates will fall off on their own. There is usually a contributory issue, such as gum disease or trauma, that will cause them to fall off. Of course, they do have a lifespan of around 10 to 15 years, so if it reaches that period of time since you have had them fitted, then you may notice that they begin to wobble. In that instance, you should contact your dental team for guidance.
Are composite bondings better?
Many people have compared composite bondings to laminates, and there are a lot of similarities. There is a general theme that laminates are more costly, but bonding requires more skill from the dentist to apply.
So, with that in mind, you will need to talk to your dentist about which is more suitable for you, given your clinical situation and your finances.
Will my teeth feel sensitive afterwards?
It is exceedingly unlikely that your teeth will feel sensitive after you have had laminates fitted.
However, if you do notice pangs of discomfort following the fitting of porcelain laminates, you should contact your dental team for advice, as it may be the case that part of the tooth or teeth that have had the laminates placed may have been missed.
So, if you want to learn more about porcelain laminates, call your dentist today for more information.
