When it comes to cosmetic dental care, few people (if any) know what they can expect.
When you have an idea in mind for improving the appearance of your teeth, it is worth knowing exactly what you can expect from the process. And when it comes to dental laminates, one of the hottest cosmetic dental procedures around, the process is simpler than most people think.
So, what exactly is involved in having porcelain laminates fitted? Here is a quick guide!
Consultation
The consultation to have veneers in London fitted is straightforward.
Your dentist may take X-rays to assess the health of your teeth and spot any cavities that may be hiding, and will also assess the health of your gums.
Then, if you are deemed to be a good candidate for laminates, a scan will be taken of your teeth using an intraoral scanner. This will be used to ensure that the laminates fit your teeth.
This meeting will also provide you with the opportunity to ask your dentist any questions that you have about the procedure.
The creation
The 3D scan of your teeth will be sent to a dental laboratory.
In this setting, it will be used to craft the laminates to fit your teeth, although they may be slightly larger and will need to be filed down by your dentist at the fitting.
Most people opt to have their laminates carved from porcelain, but you can have them made from a composite porcelain mixture if you wish.
The fitting
The fitting of laminates is incredibly straightforward.
Your dentist will use a specialised sanding tool to remove a thin fragment of the enamel from the tooth that is going to have the laminate placed onto it.
Then, using some dental cement, they will coat the tooth and press the laminates onto it. Using a specialised light, they will set the cement and there you go! The treatment is complete!
This can usually be done in one session and can take up to an hour, depending on how many laminates you are having fitted.
Aftercare
It is generally advised by dentists that following the fitting of dental laminates, you do not eat anything hard or crunchy for around 24 hours, just in case the dental cement has not set.
But, after this, you will be able to bite into and consume whichever foods you want to with ease. You should note that while laminates are less susceptible to staining, they are not immune, so you will need to clean your teeth as often as you do already and should avoid stain-inducing foods and drinks like coffee and turmeric.
Maintenance
Once you have had your laminates fitted, you will need to brush your teeth (and floss them!) as you usually would, and be sure to attend biannual check-ups with your dentist. One of the primary causes of laminates falling off prematurely is due to gum disease, so this will need to be checked for regularly.
Of course, if you suspect that your laminates are falling off prematurely, you should also contact your dentist to have an assessment performed.
