Laminate porcelains are very thin ceramic materials we especially use on anterior teeth. They are largely used for patients that are not satisfied with the color of their teeth or have broken, abraded, overlapped teeth, as well as patients with diastema. The most essential property of the application is the preparation of the teeth by abrading approximately 0.5mm of the surface.
How can such a thin and fragile slice of porcelain have such a strong structure? laminate porcelains show the same physical characteristics as tooth enamel after it is laminated onto teeth. Practices such as the abrasion of the teeth, taking measurements, production and the application process of the laminates are prepared and carried out very meticulously. If not, patients may experience negative outcomes.
Laminate Porcelains Are Suitable For…
- Patients with broken or notched anterior teeth, as well as structural defects
- Patients who have color defects or patients are not satisfied with their tooth colour
- Patients who have stains on their teeth due to tetracycline or excessive use of fluorine
- Patients whose teeth have changed colour due to root canal treatment or trauma
- Patients with diastema on their anterior teeth
- Patients who have structural defects on their anterior teeth and reject orthodontic treatment
First Appointment
At the first appointment, your dentist analyzes your teeth. First, all your jaw and facial structure records, photographs, lower and upper jaw models, your present tooth colour and your panaromic films are prepared and taken. Your demands and expectations are then evaluated in light of the dentist’s analysis. Temporary laminates are made using your previously measured mock ups, and a general opinion is formed about the final solution to your problems. Your dentist may also show you the final view of your teeth on the computer by using imaging programs.
First Step: Preparation of the Teeth by Abrading the Surface of The Teeth
Anesthesia may be used if necessary. The purpose is to do as little abrading as possible. Depending on the case, your dentist abrades your teeth from 0.5mm up to 2mm. We want to produce a laminate surface with the same thickness so the abrading is done according to your teeth’s situation. Sometimes the natural position of your teeth may be sufficşently behind your general teeth alignment there may be no need to perform abrasion.
Taking Measurements
Measuring laminate porcelains is done using very sensitive impression materials. Then, your mock ups are prepared in the laboratory. In this process, your dentist and the technician consult each other.
Temporary Laminates
After the abrading, you will feel the ragged surface of your teeth as well as sharp or cornered areas. Since your teeth have less enamel on the surface, you may feel greater sensitivity to hot and cold. Due to these reasons, temporary laminates are applied to your teeth. These laminates are made of composite material and it takes a little time to maket hem. They are not very durable and may break. Your temporary laminates provide an approximation of how your laminate porcelains will look.
Applying laminate porcelains
Before applying your laminates, we do a dry fit make sure everything goes according to plan. Your dentist may sometimes make some changes although your laminates may have been produced in accordance to your dentist’s specifications. The real color of porcelain laminates shows up only when the cement is used. As laminates are very thin and they are not fixed permanently during the dry fit, you cannot see the exact final color. As a result, your dentist will only be able to show you the color tone you initially agreed to only after your laminates have been permanently cemented into place. You will see that this color is the one you agreed on with your dentist. There are water-soluble trial pastes that can also help you see the final color. The technique for cementing these laminates are different from cementing other porcelain crowns. In the bonding process, the teeth and laminates are prepared at the same time. They are both washed and dried. In the first phase, the surface of your teeth are etched with phosphoric acid on the microscopic level and this helps the adhesive to stick properly onto the teeth. Later, bondings that help the cement to harden chemically are prepared. Meanwhile,the laminates are silaned (a chemical procedure) and treated with hydrofluoric acid after which the porcelain bonding is applied. The use of these chemicals is performed meticulously. Later, the adhesive is applied on the inner surface of the cemented laminate in a way that it runs over a little and which is cleaned very carefully. A light of a certain wavelength is shone onto each surface of the teeth. Your dentist then checks your lip closure for the last time and applies finishing touches to end the procedure
Taking Care of Your laminate porcelains
- You must brush and floss your teeth in the way your dentist shows you twice a day. You should prefer a toothpaste that does not include abrasive substances and contains fluorine.
- You should not let plaque form on the area close to your gums. Otherwise, this plaque can cause gingivitis and even receding gums.
- You should avoid using excessive force, such as nail biting. If you have the habit of grinding or clenching your teeth at night, you should use the mouth-guard your dentist designs for you. If you play sports, you should use a mouth guard to protect your teeth against various blows.
Laminate Porcelains Are Unsuitable If you…
- have unhealthy gums. You first have to have them treated.
- have lost most of your teeth.
- have lost most of your enamel structure. Bondings that fix laminates to your teeth are mainly applied enamel. If the enamel structure is inadequate or has been completely, problems will occur during the procedure.
- your teeth have been previously abraded.
- experience bruxism (grinding your teeth), especially at night. You should definitely use protective cushions or mouth guards at night. Otherwise you cannot undergo laminate porcelain treatment.
