Are you looking for a solution that will remove staining from your teeth whilst also concealing cracks, chips, and gaps? Look no further than the ever-versatile porcelain laminate. Originally a cosmetic procedure, laminates offer a wide range of benefits in dental care that extend far beyond the aesthetic.

Here, you will be introduced to porcelain laminates or veneers Wagga, so you can decide if they are the right option or not for you. 

What are porcelain laminates?

Simply put, porcelain laminates are coverings made from slivers of porcelain that are attached to your teeth. 

They are custom-fitted to your teeth; your dentist will usually use either a dental mould or an intraoral scan to take an image of the teeth that will have laminates attached, to ensure that the veneers made in the dental laboratory are a good fit. 

Uses in dentistry

Of course, the main use of laminates in dental care is cosmetic. 

They can be used to whiten a smile, conceal cracks and chips, correct minor misalignments, and whiten teeth. But they also have a use in sensitivity prevention. As people with sensitive teeth often have microscopic holes which expose the pulp or nerve of the tooth to air (thus causing discomfort), this can be stopped using laminates. Put simply, they cover the holes, and thus, the sensation stops. Laminates can also be used to support teeth which have been weakened by procedures like root canals. 

Fitting

The fitting of porcelain laminates is relatively straightforward. 

Your dentist will gently sand the front of your tooth or teeth, to create a rough surface to attach the cement to, as it cannot stick to smooth surfaces. Then, they will apply the dental cement and will press the laminates on. 

Depending on how many you are having fitted, the process may be spread over two appointments, but you will be able to leave each visit with a great-looking set of teeth! The fitting is non-invasive, quick, and will allow you to go about your day as usual afterward.

Aftercare

Once you have had your laminates fitted, you can start eating right away. Just be sure to allow for a couple of hours after fitting before you eat any hard foods, as the cement holding the laminates to your teeth may not have fully set yet. 

The treatment itself requires no injections, so you can go about your day as normal without worrying about the effects of anaesthetic. 

If you notice that your laminates appear loose, then you will need to contact your team as soon as possible. 

Maintenance and longevity

When it comes to maintaining your porcelain laminates, you will need to ensure that you maintain good oral hygiene as a starting point. This will keep your teeth healthy, minimise the chances of gum disease (which can cause the laminates to fall off), and will prevent decay from getting in under and around the laminates. 

However, you will also need to visit your dentist twice a year for check-ups and, to keep decay and gum disease at bay, you should refrain from smoking cigarettes or drinking excessive amounts of alcohol. 

DISCLAIMER 

Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.