In recent years there has been a shift in dental care away from simple check-ups and orthodontics to merging restoration with cosmetic options. One of the most versatile options that you will be able to find at almost every single cosmetic dentist is a porcelain laminate.
These thin shells of porcelain are custom made for the teeth that they are going to be attached to, through an intraoral scan or a dental mould conducted by your dentist. This is then sent to a laboratory where the laminates are shaped to your specifications. This process can take around 6 to 8 weeks and when they arrive back at your dental surgery, all you have to do is attend the appointment to have them fitted.
It sounds very simple, but many people hold concerns about having veneers Wagga fitted as they may have heard that the process is painful or that the fittings simply do not last. In this article, five of the most commonly searched questions relating to the fitting of porcelain laminates are answered, to help you ascertain whether or not this is the right treatment to relieve your dental woes.
How are they fitted?
As mentioned briefly earlier, the laminates are made in a dental laboratory and are then sent back to your dentist.
During the appointment, your dentist will gently sand the front of the tooth or teeth that the laminates are going to be attached to. This creates a rough surface for the cement to adhere to. The cement is then placed onto the tooth and the laminate is placed on top of it. Once the cement has set (around 5 to 10 minutes) the laminates are good to go. There are no numbing agents required, no needles and there should not be any discomfort.
Will they fall off?
It is highly unlikely that porcelain laminates will fall off, but if you have suffered from gum disease in the past, then this is something you need to keep an eye out for. Swelling of the gums can cause the laminates to fall off prematurely. If you feel that one of your laminates is loose, please contact your dentist for an appointment to have it refitted and assessed.
How long does the fitting take?
The fitting itself depends on how many laminates are being applied and the skill of your dentist. But most times, a whole set of porcelain laminates can be fitted in under an hour. For a more personalised timeline, you should contact your dentist.
Is it uncomfortable?
As mentioned before, no, the fitting of laminates is not painful and there should be no discomfort when you have them applied and are going about your daily activities. If you do notice soreness or pressure, then please seek help from your dental team, as you may have a condition not associated with the laminates such as an abscess or gum disease, both of which can be detrimental to this cosmetic option.
Is the aftercare hard?
No, the aftercare of porcelain laminates is exceedingly straightforward. All you need to do is brush them and floss them as you would if they were not attached to your teeth and attend your biannual visits with your dentist, to keep an eye out for signs of gum disease.
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
