Porcelain Laminates: FAQs Answered


Have you tried whitening your teeth with over-the-counter toothpaste to no effect? Are you looking for a way to conceal cracks in your teeth? If so, porcelain veneers Bondi Junction may be just what you are looking for! In this short article, you will be introduced to porcelain laminates through an FAQ segment. So read on! 

What are porcelain laminates? 
Similar to an acrylic nail, porcelain laminates are placed over the front of your tooth or teeth. Typically, they are made in a dental laboratory and are custom-fitted to your tooth shape. They can be made in any shade you desire and as such, they are typically used as part of a dental makeover or to change the aesthetics of your smile. they can also be made slightly wider than the teeth they are placed on to conceal minor gaps in between teeth. Less commonly, they have also been used if a person has dental sensitivity, as they cover the microscopic holes in the enamel that are often responsible for sensitive teeth. They are very thin and do not cause issues with protrusion or closing your mouth. They are also long lasting, with many people having laminates securely fitted in their mouth for up to 20 years. 

Do they hurt when they are fitted? 
In a word, no, porcelain laminates do not hurt when they are fitted. In order to fit them, your dentist will need to sand the front of the tooth that they are to be attached to. Then, using dental cement they will affix the laminate to the tooth and the cement will set. This process is not uncomfortable and you will not need to have any numbing agents applied to your teeth or your mouth. It is also a fast procedure and you can leave your dental surgery with a brand new smile in less than an hour, depending on how many laminates you are having fitted. 

How long do they last? 
With correct aftercare, porcelain laminates can easily last for 15 years or more.  This means you will need to clean your teeth as you normally would and you will have to attend biannual check-ups with your dentist. As is the way with many cosmetic procedures gum disease can have a negative impact on the longevity of these coverings, causing them to prematurely pop off from your teeth. If you suspect that your porcelain laminates are coming loose or if they have actually fallen off then you will need to attend a dental surgery to assess the cause and to potentially have them refitted. 

Can I have them if I smoke? 
Technically your dentist cannot stop you from smoking if you have had porcelain laminates fitted, but as you may have guessed it is considered unwise. This is because smoking exposes the gums to carcinogenic agents which can not only cause oral cancer, but can also increase the chances of you developing gum disease. As mentioned earlier this is detrimental to the longevity of porcelain laminates. If you wish to quit smoking before having porcelain laminates fitted then talk to your dentist or doctor about smoking cessation options. 

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