Medicine and science keep evolving and going further, hand in hand. We are witnesses to the continuous development of laminate veneers since the mid-20th century. Initially, dental porcelain could not guarantee functional success, so the majority of professionals recommended it. From there, we have come to the beginning of the 21st century, living in a new “Belle Époque” of cosmetic dentistry where the new biomaterials are some kind of poetry: they can express and protect living tissue using textures and colors that were unheard of a few years ago. A solid opaque porcelain tooth veneer is long gone. Instead, different opacification of underlying dentin layers and deep anatomy, among other approaches, is possible today. But the most important thing is that smiles (and teeth) are gaining the importance they deserve in social dentistry. Enhancing your smile and improving your dental morphology—creating less, faster, and more comfortable solutions—is obligatorily linked to the compassionate experience of improving someone’s inner self-outlook.
Laminate veneers are undoubtedly the best-known type of smile makeover veneers. The superposition of aesthetic on dental surfaces through measurements and designs belonging to the new system has become especially popular. Thus, in this treatment planning process, the direct or indirect generation of laminate veneer smile transformation always plays a significant role. The revolution of adhesive dentistry gives people the chance to finally get rid of aesthetically important dental problems. Gathering cosmetic dentists under the umbrella of adhesive dentistry makes our point of view easy to work with. We propose the use of both composite and ceramic materials in the direct and (more frequently) indirect techniques to improve the aesthetics of a smile or a single tooth. Also, we are still coming from different backgrounds; our way ultimately leads to and is compatible with an improved result that could be classified under the new, contemporary definition of aesthetic dentistry and cosmetic dentistry.
For patients undergoing smile makeover veneers, laminate veneers have become an extremely popular and common treatment to address missing, broken, chipped, irregular teeth, or stained fillings in their teeth. An impression of the teeth is created, and the new smile is fashioned using a wax-up. At consultation, it is not uncommon for the patient to bring a photograph of a celebrity smile that they admire. This can provide a treatment objective but also give some guidance on the desired tooth shapes, shades, and brightness. It is in the dental team’s hands to explain all the options available to the patient, how the chosen approach can be individualized in order to suit his or her needs. A predictable, natural result that just blends in and is shaped appropriately with the other facets of the patient features, such as lips and face shape, is the focus in dental veneers. Custom veneers take into consideration the proportions of the tooth, width of the patient’s smile, the arc of the teeth, and the shape of the patient’s face and lips. A trial cementation with temporary material is usually carried out to give a preview of the outcome. Once the patient has also agreed with the aesthetic and functional tooth shape and shade, the replacement teeth can be designed with composite or porcelain. Milling technologies or built-up layering can be used to create veneers that are extremely strong and stable once bonded to the tooth. Once ready, the natural tooth needs to be prepared minimally, and the new laminate tooth glued in place to fix the smile. This treatment may involve some drilling of the natural teeth to prepare them for the veneers to be bonded. Once placed, the veneers will be polished and checked for any uncomfortable biting contacts. To reduce any discomfort, the shape of the veneer can be adjusted, defining the bite until the patient is able to bite naturally.
Before and After Laminate Veneers Cases:
Case 1
Initial Situation: The patient needed sophisticated aesthetic treatment to improve her smile. She had numerous unsightly old fillings that caused discoloration and alignment problems, with generalized chipping and excessive wear.
Results: A lighter shade and artistic shape combined with the alignment changes offered a very satisfying outcome. The patient’s smile transformation with veneers was overwhelming. This smile revolution has lasted 10 years and has been life-changing for the patient.
Case 2
Initial Situation: The patient’s self-esteem was severely affected due to numerous existing unattractive restorations and neglected teeth. The main concern was the severe wear and color of the existing restorations. Severe tooth decay contributed to her dramatic facial aging. Extensive periodontal treatment preceded and complemented the new smile.
Results: Many would have suggested extraction and prosthetic placement for such advanced dental injury. An artistically designed and bonded aesthetic dentistry approach succeeded in dramatic facial rejuvenation with a completely harmonious smile that successfully satisfied the patient’s cosmetic dental veneers expectations.
Case 3
Initial Situation: The patient’s unhappiness originated during her adolescence with constant bullying about her old veneer color and size. She wanted a perfect smile, with whiter teeth and perfectly aligned nerves and a natural labial arrangement.
Results: External refinements were made on each tooth to increase the volume of the worn incisal edges, mostly due to acidic erosion. The smile was shortened and the teeth in the lateral areas of the face were made slightly larger so as not to exceed the limits between the lips. Properly sized cosmetic restorations also decreased the patient’s excessive incisal edge display while harmonizing her smile.
When one is getting a smile makeover veneers, the following added before and afterlaminate veneers advantages are possible:
The shade of the veneers can be chosen. This is the secret behind the perfect or almost perfect color of the natural tooth. They can change the shape of the teeth chipped or fractured teeth can be masked. Veneers will considerably improve your smile uniformity. This helps balance the teeth in such a way that you may have felt self-conscious about.
– Because veneers are made of porcelain, they are resistant to stains. In other words, when consuming dark foods or drinks, there is no need to be anxious about discolored veneers.
– Lastly, veneers are less costly than a full crown. Plus, they are much more durable and tend to last a great deal longer than dental bonding used to correct the same issues. If looked after properly, laminate veneer smile transformation may last anything from seven to twenty years. However, before cosmetic dental veneers are placed on the teeth, there are a few things to consider.
Firstly, veneers are more expensive per tooth than dental bonding is. Secondly, dental veneers can’t be fixed once they break. Veneers aren’t the best for you if you grind your teeth at night, because with them being thin, they more than likely will crack very easily. Just like your teeth, veneers also require routine upkeep and maintenance visits to the dental office. Finally, bonding veneers onto your teeth requires the shaving away of some of your enamel. After that enamel eventually wears down over time, the veneers will have to be replaced. Individuals who consider veneers should make sure they receive porcelain veneers from a qualified dentist who has the necessary training in placing veneers. This is also helpful to the people by developing in them a reasonable expectation as far as the outcomes of dental treatment are concerned. Porcelain veneers improve the appearance of one’s teeth, bringing into him or her that beautiful smile, when done on the right candidate. They are a perfect option that would assist you in getting that million-dollar smile, for those who are good candidates, and they are designed to last long if well cared for.
