What is Laminate Veneer?

Laminate Veneer is an aesthetic dental treatment method preferred for people who are not satisfied with the color or appearance of their teeth. In this method, only the front surfaces of the teeth are minimally abraded (without touching the contact points and back surfaces of the teeth) and a zirconium veneer with a thickness of approximately 1-2 mm is bonded. The thin structure of zirconium and the fact that it does not require a substructure, unlike standard crowns, allows it to reflect the natural tooth color. This helps laminate veneers to gain a more aesthetic and natural appearance.

This process can also be performed with composite material to reduce the cost and waiting time. Composite laminates can be applied in the patient’s mouth in a single session and are a more economical option. However, composite laminates may change color over time due to the food and drinks consumed. Zirconium laminates do not have coloration problems.

Laminate Veneer Application Areas

• Internal tooth discoloration that cannot be removed by teeth whitening,
• Mild dental crowding (in patients who refuse orthodontic treatment),
• In cases where there are gaps between the teeth (diastema),
• It is applied on periodontally healthy teeth.

Laminate Veneer Advantages

• The teeth are minimally cut, which reduces post-operative complaints.
• Since the contact points and back surfaces of the teeth are not touched, the patients’ adaptation process is easier.
• It offers a more aesthetic and natural appearance compared to standard crowns.
• Depending on the oral hygiene and care of the person, it lasts longer than other dental procedures.

Are Laminate Veneers Durable?

Laminate veneers may raise questions about their durability due to their thin structure and the need for minimal tooth cutting. However, zirconium is a very hard and durable material thanks to its ceramic structure. When bonded to a fixed surface (tooth), it transfers the force and pressure to the tooth and does not deform. In addition, its smooth surface prevents the adhesion of chemicals in the mouth and supports the long-term use of the veneer.

Situations where Laminate Veneer cannot be applied

Although veneers can be successfully applied in many cases, in some cases they may not be preferred:

• If the teeth are badly worn or if there is a large fracture or decay, it cannot be applied because there is not enough tooth tissue. In such cases, zirconium veneers can be considered.
• If there is not enough enamel tissue in the tooth to be laminated veneer, this method may not be suitable. In order for zirconium to be durable, the bonding process must be applied directly to the enamel layer. When bonded to the dentin layer (the layer under the enamel), the pressure generated during chewing cannot be fully transferred to the tooth and the risk of fracture or cracking in the veneer increases.
• In patients with bruxism (clenching or grinding), the durability of laminate veneers is reduced. Therefore, bruxism should be treated first and then it should be decided whether to apply laminate veneers or not.

Laminate veneers are an ideal option for those who want to achieve a natural and aesthetic smile. However, whether it is suitable for each patient should be determined after a detailed examination.