Porcelain laminate veneers are cosmetic dental prostheses designed to cover only the front surfaces of the teeth. With these applications, the form, shape and colour characteristics of the teeth can be altered to support dental health and make numerous adjustments to suit the patient's preferences. The prosthesis design is carefully prepared taking into account many parameters such as the person's facial features, natural tooth structure, character traits and aesthetic expectations. This makes it possible to create a highly aesthetic appearance specific to the individual.

When Can Porcelain Laminate Veneers Be Used?

• In cases of fracture, wear or decay in the front teeth, it may be preferable depending on the location and amount of tissue loss.
• Porcelain laminate veneers may be planned to close the gaps in individuals with spaced teeth.
• It may be preferred for the purpose of lengthening short teeth.
• Numerous staining and discolouration problems observed due to various external factors can be masked with laminate applications. Porcelain laminates may also be preferred in cases where individuals with dark tooth colour wish to achieve permanent changes in their tooth colour.
• In cases of minimal misalignment, as an alternative to orthodontic dental treatment, the tooth profiles can be adjusted using porcelain veneers after the necessary grinding has been carried out.

When is it not appropriate to opt for porcelain laminate veneers?

Porcelain laminate veneers cannot withstand high levels of uneven pressure in a healthy manner. The problem of uneven load distribution on the teeth is often encountered in the presence of various parafunctional habits such as nail biting, pen chewing, teeth clenching or grinding. The presence of these habits jeopardises the success and longevity of the treatment. Another cause of uneven load distribution is hereditary problems in the jaw relationship, such as the lower jaw being positioned too far forward or the front teeth closing together. In these cases, it is essential to treat the cause of the uneven load distribution before laminate treatment can be performed to ensure successful treatment. Another factor that may prevent laminate application is bonding problems observed in the tooth structure. In the presence of hereditary diseases where structural deterioration is observed in the enamel tissue, the quality and quantity of tissue on the tooth surface prevents the ideal bonding of the tooth with the laminate. Porcelain laminates may not be preferred in cases of advanced tooth discolouration, as they may be insufficient for achieving an aesthetic appearance. In many cases, the high light transmission property, which provides an advantage by matching the natural tooth structure, becomes a disadvantage in this situation due to the reflection of discolouration.

What are the Advantages of Porcelain Laminate Veneer Applications?

• The need for abrasion of the tooth structure is only on the front surface of the tooth and is quite minimal. This allows the treatment to be completed while preserving a large amount of healthy tooth structure.
• They are highly resistant to wear and tear, enabling them to maintain their compatibility with tissues for a long time.
• When porcelain laminates are bonded to the tooth surface, their durability significantly increases. This enables the provision of a long-lasting treatment.
• As the surface can be easily polished, it is possible to achieve a smooth finish. This prevents the colour pigments in products such as tea, coffee and cigarettes, which can cause staining, from adhering to the prosthesis. This ensures that the prosthesis retains its own colour for a long time.
• Its smooth surface prevents plaque build-up, helping to maintain the health of teeth and gum tissue.
• Thanks to computer-aided design applications, the design prepared for treatment can be presented to the patient in a digital environment prior to the procedure, allowing for a detailed evaluation of the design. Where the positional characteristics of the teeth are suitable, it may also be possible to try out the design in the mouth prior to treatment.

What Should Be Considered After Porcelain Veneer Applications?

Ensuring the maintenance of the prosthesis and avoiding disproportionate forces on the relevant teeth is of great importance for the longevity of the treatment. For the maintenance of the prosthesis, it is sufficient to pay attention to routine oral care procedures such as tooth brushing and the use of dental floss or interdental brushes. Avoiding hard-shelled foods, which can damage both natural teeth and restorations, significantly extends the life of the treatment. Regular visits to the dentist allow for the early detection of changes in tooth load distribution that may occur for various reasons. This allows the factor changing the load distribution to be treated more quickly and prevents damage to both the prosthesis and the teeth. Our clinic has all the necessary equipment to offer porcelain laminate applications. You can make an appointment at our clinic at any time and consult our dentists for more detailed information about porcelain laminate applications and your treatment needs.