Leaf Porcelain Laminates

Deformities in teeth, color incompatibility or tissue loss due to trauma and teeth clenching can cause inadequate aesthetic appearance. This situation, which causes a restriction of smile in daily life and an increase in social anxiety, provides both increased tissue support and the desired aesthetic appearance with various restorative procedures. Porcelain laminates, which are applied by making changes only to the front part of the teeth thanks to digital 3D imaging and planning, are often preferred safely.

What is Porcelain Laminate?

Porcelain laminates are restorations with a thickness of 0.3-0.07 mm and are applied only to the front surface of the person’s incisors. Porcelain laminate restorations can be applied to the outer surface of teeth with shape, structure and color incompatibility with minimal material loss in healthy tissues, taking into account the person’s age, gender, health status, face shape, texture and face color. Their very thin structure and transparent appearance, and their high compatibility with natural tissues increase their preference every day.

Who Can Get Porcelain Laminate Treatment?

Porcelain laminates can be safely applied to people of almost all ages with their special designs. It is a good restoration option for people with tooth wear due to clenching or grinding their front teeth or traumatic dental injuries such as falling or hitting. They can also be used in the treatment of cavities in the front teeth. Porcelain laminates can be safely used to mask congenital or acquired tooth stains caused by improper food intake or different external factors. It can be preferred by people who are not satisfied with their natural tooth color and want permanent solutions. In cases where the teeth are spaced, it can be applied depending on the amount of these spaces and can also extend the length of the teeth. Porcelain laminates can be preferred in the decision to eliminate minimal tooth irregularities with restorations, as they will provide minimal tissue loss.

What are the advantages of porcelain laminate applications?

Taking measurements during the procedure and performing digital planning in coordination with the technician ensures patient comfort and planning precision. Thanks to smile designs, patients can be informed about the final aesthetic appearance before the procedure. The procedure is very easy and results can be obtained in a few sessions. The fact that the laminates are very thin but durable allows the teeth to be processed with very minimal abrasions or completely without abrasion, thus achieving the desired results with very little material loss in the person’s own tissues. Since porcelain laminates are produced from durable and colorless materials, they can be used for a lifetime as long as their controls and maintenance are carried out. They are materials resistant to abrasion and pigments in materials such as tea and coffee. They are easy to use due to their very smooth and thin structure. Thanks to the high light transmittance of porcelain laminates, it is possible to obtain aesthetic results very similar to the natural tooth structure.

In Which Cases Porcelain Laminates Cannot Be Applied?

These restorations cannot be applied in cases where porcelain laminates are likely to be deformed due to incorrect loading, such as jaw and occlusion disorders, habits of clenching, grinding or chewing hard objects such as pencils, and nail-biting habits. These habits or jaw closures that will put unnecessary load on porcelain laminates should be regulated beforehand. Porcelain laminates, especially those with high light transmittance, may not be able to adequately mask teeth with excessive discoloration. In this case, alternative restorations can be preferred. The presence of material losses such as infection or gum recession in the tissues around the teeth also requires that these losses be eliminated first and preparations for porcelain laminates be made.

How Can Porcelain Laminates Be Applied?

First, video recordings are taken while the person is talking and smiling, then photographs are taken and measurements are made with intraoral digital scanners. As a result of these measurements, a process called mock-up is used to examine how the teeth and face will look at the final stage. Then, if necessary, a minimal abrasion of 0.3-0.7 mm is made from the teeth to create an area where the porcelain laminates will be placed. Sometimes, porcelain laminates can be planned without these abrasions. Measurements and plans are sent to technicians in a digital environment and porcelain laminates are produced in accordance with the tissues and transferred to the clinical environment with precise arrangements. The laminates are bonded to the teeth with adhesives that have special tissue compatibility and high adhesion values ​​in accordance with technical sensitivities. In the following process, control appointments are given for porcelain laminates at certain periods and their maintenance is carried out regularly if necessary.

What Should You Know After Applying Porcelain Laminates?

Porcelain laminates are applied to the teeth with special and durable adhesives and can be used continuously for many years as long as oral hygiene and possible traumas are taken care of. They are made of materials that are highly resistant to staining and abrasion. Early detection of problems that may occur as a result of regular dentist check-ups and maintenance of porcelain laminates are important for the longevity of the restorations.