With increasing use of social media platforms, people want to achieve a perfect smile just like the celebrities they follow. This has led to a boom in the cosmetic dentistry industry.

Dental veneers and laminates are minimally-invasive and commonly-performed cosmetic dentistry procedures that address a variety of aesthetic issues of teeth.

For instance, they are used to correct mild crowding (misaligned teeth), discoloration, spacing between teeth, or badly shaped teeth.

While veneers and laminates may seem to be similar, there are minor differences between the two.

In this article, we help you understand the difference between the two.

What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that are bonded (attached) to the front surface of the teeth.

They help in the correction of the color, shape, and position of a tooth or teeth. They are mainly of two types — Porcelain and Resin veneers. These conventional dental veneers range from 0.3-1.0mm in thickness.

What are dental laminates?

Dental laminates are an ultra-thin form of porcelain veneers. These veneers have a maximum thickness of 0.3mm.

They are also known as dental “contact lenses,” as their thickness is similar to that of contact lenses. Dental laminates perform the same function as veneers.

How are dental veneers and laminates fabricated?

Among dental veneers, resin veneers are fabricated from the direct technique, which is a single-visit procedure.

In this, the dentist trims the minimal surface of the tooth enamel. Later, tooth-colored cement (also known as composite) of appropriate shade is added and bonded to the surface of the tooth.

This procedure helps mask the mild discoloration and correct minor tooth defects.

Meanwhile, porcelain veneers and laminates are fabricated from indirect technique and may require 2-3 appointments to complete the procedure.

Here are the steps involved in the fabrication of porcelain veneers and laminates:

  • During their fabrication, the dentist reduces a small amount of enamel layer from the front and side surfaces of the teeth (~0.5-1 mm for porcelain veneers and ~0.3 mm for porcelain laminates).
  • An impression of the prepared tooth is obtained and sent to the laboratory.
  • Later, after the evaluation of the color, fit and shape of the veneer/laminate, it is fixed on the prepared tooth surface.

What are the differences between dental veneers and dental laminates?

Here are some of the differences between dental veneers and dental laminates:

Fabrication procedure: Dental laminates are ultra-thin and require minimal or no tooth preparation compared to porcelain veneers.

This prevents excess enamel loss and preserves more tooth surface and causes less tooth sensitivity compared to dental veneers.

However, the placement of laminate on a tooth with little or no preparation may give a bulky appearance to the tooth.

Uses: Dental veneers are more flexible and stable compared to laminates and hence are indicated to correct crooked teeth or gaps between the teeth.

Whereas laminates are lightweight and are recommended to mask off mild tooth discoloration, and tooth inclinations or to correct minor tooth chipping.

Thermal expansion: The thermal expansion of laminates is similar to enamel. Whereas resin veneers are subject to changes in thermal expansion. Thus, composite veneers get stained easily compared to porcelain laminates.

Durability: Porcelain laminates and veneers are processed in a laboratory at a temperature of more than 700 degrees Celsius. Hence, they are more resistant to wear and durable compared to resin veneers.

Which procedure is better: dental veneer or laminate?

Both dental veneers and laminates are good options to design a flawless smile.

However, the choice of treatment depends on the type of correction required, the patient’s expectations, the cost involved in the treatment, and the dentist’s discretion.

CONCLUSION

Dental veneers and laminates are less invasive and commonly-performed smile designing procedures.

Their use may vary depending on the patient’s condition and expectations from the treatment.

However, one should consult a dentist and know the difference between the two to understand which option is best for them.

References:

  • Chafii A, Laghzaoui S, Maftouh B, El Matoui S, Bennani A. DENTAL VENEERS: FROM THEORY TO PRACTICE.
  • Ge, C., Green, C. C., Sederstrom, D., McLaren, E. A., & White, S. N. (2014). Effect of porcelain and enamel thickness on porcelain veneer failure loads in vitro. The Journal of prosthetic dentistry, 111(5), 380–387.
  • Christensen G. J. (2004). What is a veneer? Resolving the confusion. Journal of the American Dental Association (1939), 135(11), 1574–1576.
  • Bizio AL, Nascimento GE, de Faria NS, Colucci V, Messias DC. Ultra-thin porcelain laminates to restore esthetics of anterior teeth: case report. RSBO Revista Sul-Brasileira de Odontologia. 2014;11(4):417-22.
  • De Aj, Valladares C. Dental Ceramic Laminates: Current Approach for Rehabilitation.

 

 

Dr. Shilpy Bhandari
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