Laminate E-max

What is Laminate/E-max Veneer?

Laminate veneers are a quick and safe treatment option used for aesthetic treatment on front teeth. Laminate veneers are aesthetic restorations applied with minimal tooth reduction, particularly on front teeth, as an alternative to full crowns in cases of enamel defects, tooth discolouration, diastema, malpositioned and worn teeth, and especially in young patients with large pulp chambers. They are made in a laboratory setting and are crafted from composite or porcelain material. Porcelain laminate veneers are bonded to the tooth using resin cement.

Laminete Veneer

One of the most commonly used applications in cosmetic dentistry is porcelain laminate veneers, which can achieve both aesthetic and functional teeth. Porcelain veneers are highly effective in correcting irregular tooth shape, noticeable gaps between teeth, cases where teeth whitening procedures fail to improve tooth colour, and minor tooth misalignments. They offer high resistance to wear and tear and, due to their structure, minimise the risk of staining on teeth. Provided there are no issues requiring treatment in the gums, porcelain laminate veneers can be completed within 2-3 sessions.

Terms such as full porcelain, full ceramic, full porcelain, Empress, and Emax actually represent the same thing. Among aesthetic dentistry applications, it is the most preferred treatment option alongside laminate veneers and zirconium applications. As indicated by their names, these veneers are made from a single type of material, namely entirely porcelain. As mentioned for zirconium, there is no underlying layer. The base is a crystal-structured ceramic core, reinforced by high-pressure compression. Colour transitions and aesthetics are completed by layering glass ceramic on top.

These veneers offer maximum light transmission and a fully crystallised structure, achieving results closest to natural teeth. They are preferred as the most natural tooth veneers in situations where colour matching is critical, such as single tooth restorations in the anterior region, and where aesthetic concerns and expectations are high. The level of transparency and layer colours can be selected in detail. They are not preferred in cases of missing teeth as they will not provide sufficient resistance. Whether or not they are preferred in the large molar region is evaluated according to the person’s jaw relationship, parafunctional habits, and chewing analysis. Full porcelain veneers are more expensive than others due to the increased cost and precision required for the procedure from the perspective of the dentist and technician.

What is Porcelain Laminate? What are the Stages of Treatment?

Also known as veneers, laminate veneers are reinforced porcelain pieces with a very thin, leaf-like structure that are bonded to the tooth surface using special adhesives after the tooth has been prepared. Laminate veneers can be applied without any cutting of the tooth, simply by preparing the front surface of the teeth to a thickness of 0.5 mm – 1 mm. The basic principle in laminate veneer application is minimal abrasion of the tooth. While laminate veneers serve functional purposes, they are generally preferred as part of cosmetic dentistry, as a procedure in smile design. The colours of laminate veneers are close to the natural tooth colour, but their colours may vary. It is possible to customise their colours, sizes, and lengths to suit the individual. For laminate veneer treatment to be applied and to achieve the best results from this application, patient selection must be done correctly.

Porcelain veneers can be applied in various situations that compromise the aesthetic appearance of teeth and cause functional problems. Porcelain veneers can be applied when there are gaps between the teeth, when the teeth are worn or cracked, when the colour of previous fillings has changed and aesthetic concerns have arisen, when the colour of the teeth cannot be improved with teeth whitening procedures, when the teeth are misshapen, or when they have a crooked structure.

Patient-dentist collaboration is paramount throughout all stages of porcelain laminate veneer treatment. During the first session, the patient’s intraoral measurements are completed with great precision. The teeth are examined, X-rays may be taken, and all information about the mouth and teeth is gathered to determine the suitability of the veneers for the patient. Models are created to give patients an idea of what their smile will look like after the veneers are applied.

Preparation:

During the process of preparing teeth for laminate veneers, a minimal amount of tissue is removed from the tooth surface. Anaesthesia may be administered during the procedure as the tooth enamel will be abraded. The decision regarding anaesthesia will be made by the patient and the dentist. The primary aim at this stage is to ensure that the minimum amount of abrasion is performed and that the patient does not experience any discomfort during the procedure.

Colour selection and impression:

One of the most important stages of the laminate veneer application is taking measurements. Measurements are taken using highly precise techniques. Based on the measurements taken, data is obtained for the production of custom porcelain veneers. The colours of the teeth adjacent to the teeth to be laminated are evaluated, and the appropriate porcelain colour is determined, taking into account the patient's expectations. At this stage, dentists can take the initiative and make decisions to improve the smile and increase patient satisfaction. After the teeth have been ground down, temporary veneers are fitted to prevent sensitivity until the permanent porcelain veneers are bonded. Temporary laminates, which increase comfort during the period until the permanent veneers are bonded, may not be necessary if the tooth surface has been ground down very little.

Cementation-Bonding:

Porcelain laminate veneers, custom-made according to the impressions taken, are bonded after a trial fitting. The surfaces of the teeth are smoothed with phosphoric acid to ensure the adhesive bonds completely to the tooth surface. A special cement is applied to the veneer, which is then placed onto the teeth. Once the veneer is properly positioned, your dentist will shine a special light beam onto it to activate the chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden very quickly. The final steps involve removing any excess cement, checking the bite, and making any necessary adjustments.

How long does the treatment take and how many sessions are there?

The porcelain laminate veneer application is completed in a relatively short period of approximately one week. This timeframe is necessary for the preparation of permanent laminate veneers. The number of sessions is generally around 2-3 on average. If patients have dental and gum diseases that require treatment, the total treatment time may extend to two weeks depending on the nature of the condition.

What are the Advantages of Porcelain Laminate Veneers?

Porcelain laminate veneers support the natural appearance of the teeth and make it possible to achieve a beautiful smile. Leaf porcelains, which blend naturally with the gums, are very thin but become quite strong when bonded to the teeth. Another advantage is that they can be customised to give patients an aesthetic smile. Other advantages include the fact that they can be applied without grinding the teeth, the minimal risk of staining, their colour does not change, they are very difficult to distinguish from real teeth, and they can last for many years. They also help to eliminate tooth discolouration. They cover various types of enamel wear. They eliminate unhealthy and unaesthetic restorations on the surfaces of teeth. They restore teeth that have suffered erosion but still have sufficient enamel tissue for retention. It enables the restoration of teeth in cases where it is difficult to restore teeth with crowns without causing irreversible damage in teeth with large pulp chambers. It is used to lengthen teeth with a short clinical crown length. It enables the treatment of simple malocclusions without the need for orthodontic treatment.

What are the disadvantages of porcelain laminate veneers?

Porcelain veneer application is not suitable for every patient. Patients with dental and gum diseases must have other oral and dental problems treated before undergoing this procedure. Furthermore, the costs may be higher compared to other alternative treatments. Every stage of the porcelain veneer application must be performed with precision. This precision requires professionalism and experience. As the procedure is irreversible, patients considering it should carefully select their oral and dental health clinic. Porcelain laminate veneers usually require minimal tooth reduction. Although reduction may not be necessary in some patients, tooth sensitivity to hot and cold may occur after the procedure.

What Should Be Considered After Laminate Veneer Treatment ?

Provided that the necessary precautions are followed after porcelain laminate veneer treatment, this procedure will remain effective for many years without any problems.

To prevent damage to the veneers after application, it is important to avoid consuming foods with hard shells or foods that are very hard in nature.
In addition to hard foods, it is important to break habits such as biting hard objects. Those who have the habit of biting their nails, hair clips, or pens should give up these habits.
If patients have bruxism, i.e. teeth grinding, bruxism treatment should be sought, and it is recommended that individuals use mouth guards at night.
It is necessary to visit the dentist for check-ups at regular intervals and not to neglect these check-ups.
Those who have laminate veneers should avoid opening packages with their front teeth as much as possible and should not chew hard foods. If participating in sports that pose a risk of physical impact, mouth guards should be used.
Although laminate veneers do not require special care after treatment, regular oral and dental care is essential, as always. Teeth should be brushed regularly, cleaned with dental floss, and antiseptic mouthwashes should be used.

Who is eligible for laminate veneer treatment?

When a person’s smile aesthetics are compromised, aesthetic dentistry treatments can be sought. Thanks to porcelain laminate veneer treatment, it is possible to practically and effectively eliminate dental imperfections that cast a shadow over the smile. Porcelain veneers, which have a natural tooth appearance, can be applied to individuals whose jaw development is complete and who wish to have a more beautiful smile. Suitable patient groups for porcelain veneer treatment can be listed as follows:

Tooth Colour: Teeth whose colour cannot be corrected with teeth whitening treatment and where the goal is permanent improvement in tooth colour,
Simple Malocclusion: Teeth that are crooked and misaligned, resulting in an aesthetically unpleasing smile due to structural abnormalities in the teeth,
Discoloured Composite Veneers: Individuals whose old fillings have changed colour,
Structural Abnormalities: Individuals with hereditary structural abnormalities in their teeth,
Diastema: Individuals with gaps between their teeth called diastema,
Smile Design: Those who wish to achieve teeth with more even and aesthetically pleasing colours as part of smile aesthetics,
Healthy Gums and Oral Hygiene: Individuals without dental or gum diseases are considered suitable candidates for porcelain laminate veneers.

What are the differences between porcelain laminates and composite laminates?

When starting laminate veneers, the first step is to decide which material to select.

The aesthetics, durability and polished surfaces of porcelain laminates are superior to those prepared in a laboratory environment. Composite laminates can also be prepared in a laboratory environment if desired, and their weak points can be reinforced. However, the composite absorbing moisture from the environment and discolouring can cause problems in the long term. Porcelain laminates are superior in this respect.
Composite laminates are more practical and cheaper as they can be applied directly in the patient’s mouth in a single session. They are also easy to repair. They are ideal if the patient has time and financial constraints. Excellent oral hygiene is essential. Otherwise, the life of composite laminates will be shortened. They may be preferred over porcelain due to their ease of repair in cases of bruxism. The dentist performing the procedure must have excellent technique and artistry.
As porcelain veneers are prepared in a laboratory, they cannot be completed in a single session, and the cost will inevitably increase. Digital veneers shorten the laboratory process but are not as practical as the direct method. However, porcelain veneers are superior in terms of aesthetics, durability, and longevity.
The aforementioned digital veneers require digital measurements and special laboratory equipment. They are computer-assisted specialised procedures. Despite their high cost, they have become increasingly popular in recent years due to the comfort they offer to both the patient and the dentist.

Additionally, regardless of the material used, a measurement can be taken from the patient before starting the procedures and a mock-up model can be created so that the patient can have an idea of what to expect. This is preferable as it eliminates unpleasant surprises.

In summary, both materials have their strengths. The decision should be based on the patient’s medical history. Laminates, which are a conservative and aesthetic solution, should always be preferred over crown porcelains when conditions allow.

What is the cost of porcelain laminate veneers? What factors determine the cost?

The cost of porcelain laminate veneers is primarily determined by factors such as the number of teeth you plan to have covered and whether the patient will undergo any other treatment before or after the porcelain laminate procedure. The quality of the porcelain used, the laboratory workmanship, and the skill of your dentist are other factors that can influence the price. If you live in Istanbul and want to have porcelain laminate veneers fitted by the best dentists, you can visit our dental clinic in Kartal and achieve your dream smile in no time.

What are Empress, E-Max Veneers?

These veneers offer maximum light transmission and a fully crystallised structure, delivering results closest to natural teeth. They are preferred as the most natural tooth veneers in situations where colour matching is critical, such as single tooth restorations in the anterior region, and where aesthetic concerns and expectations are high. The level of transparency and layer colours can be selected in detail. They are not preferred in cases of missing teeth as they will not provide sufficient resistance. Full porcelain veneers are more expensive than others due to the increased cost and precision required for the procedure from the dentist and technician’s perspective.

Why are Empress Veneers Performed?

Meeting the patient’s needs and aesthetic expectations is the primary goal. It is generally performed on individuals who desire smile design and dental aesthetics. The treatment should preserve the health and function of the teeth as well as ensure aesthetics.

If there is a diastema (gap between teeth)
If you want to lengthen your teeth or adjust their contours
If there are minimal tooth misalignments or positional irregularities
If there are tooth shape abnormalities or teeth that have become worn over time
If dark-coloured teeth that cannot be whitened need to be lightened
If there are developmental morphological and colour abnormalities
If there are teeth with multiple restorations that lack sufficient bonding surface for laminate veneers

When Should Empress Veneers Not Be Used?

It is not applied to fill gaps or make bridges if there are missing teeth.
It is not applied to molars with high occlusal load or to people who grind their teeth.
It is not applied to teeth with metal post or pin-supported restorations.
For use in implant-supported crowns, the abutment must undergo special processing. Options such as direct application onto the abutment may cause the ceramic crown to fracture. In such cases, zirconium crowns, which are more resistant to chewing forces, should be preferred.

What are the advantages of full porcelain dental veneer treatment?

It provides perfect colour matching.
It is the most preferred method for single tooth restoration.
There are three levels of transparency options. It is up to the patient to reflect or mask the colour of the underlying teeth. The choices are completely free and aesthetic.
The amount of tooth reduction is greater than for laminate veneers but less than for zirconium crowns.
It adheres more deeply to the tooth and bonds better than other types of veneers.
It is brighter and smoother due to its glass crystals.
It does not adversely affect gum health or oral health.
It boosts the patient’s self-confidence as it is designed according to the facial structure and expectations.
There is no build-up on the Empress structure.
Full porcelain, which is compatible with all soft and hard tissues in the mouth, can be applied with ease.
It does not discolour over time.
With WaxUp and MockUp applications, temporary restorations are quickly applied during the measurement session, and aesthetic loss is compensated for with temporary restorations. There is no need to go around without teeth or with reduced teeth.

What are the stages involved in getting full ceramic porcelain teeth?

As it is generally used in smile design patients, a smile analysis should first be performed, aesthetic expectations should be evaluated, and photographs should be taken. Dental and gum problems should be eliminated, and work should be carried out in a completely healthy environment. Depending on the need, the wax-up obtained from the measurements taken during the analysis phase can be partially demonstrated to the patient using a mock-up. The patient’s primary expectations and thoughts regarding tooth shape, length, and colour are taken into account. This demonstration phase is important in terms of providing an idea.

Subsequently, as with zirconium and laminate veneers, measurement stages and fittings are carried out. Temporary teeth are fitted during the measurement session, eliminating the possibility of tooth sensitivity and aesthetic problems for the patient. The necessary adjustments are made to the teeth, and the crystallised structure is cemented to the tooth using special resin adhesives that ensure proper bonding to the tooth. The reason why these Empress veneers are more aesthetic is that they do not have a base material underneath. The structure, which is entirely ceramic, is very similar to natural teeth with its light refraction and transparency values.

How Long Does Full Ceramic Porcelain Dental Treatment Take?

For individuals whose dental and gum health has been fully restored and whose smile design analysis has been completed, the process can be completed within 4-7 days from the date of measurement (including trial stages).

What is the Difference Between Full Ceramic and Zirconium?

Both options are highly biocompatible treatments that are safely used in cosmetic dentistry. These frequently used methods enable the achievement of natural-looking teeth with high aesthetic value. Their common feature is the absence of metal-based materials that could cause aesthetic problems and the fact that they are produced using advanced systems to achieve the desired results. Zirconium veneers differ from full ceramic veneers in terms of their underlying structure and are preferred when high resistance is expected in addition to aesthetics. In other words, if you have a toothless gap and a bridge is planned, a full ceramic bridge cannot be made, but zirconium may be preferred. Similarly, all-ceramic crowns should be avoided in cases where high forces are exerted on the molars and there is a tendency to clench the teeth. In the front teeth, however, all-ceramic crowns are preferred if there are no missing teeth.

Do Full Ceramic Crowns Break?

Once permanently bonded, this structure cannot be removed in one piece. It can be thought of as all the crystals in its internal structure forming separate connections to the tooth. Any impact that could pose a risk to natural teeth, such as falling and hitting the teeth, suddenly biting into an olive pit, or using a fork or stone, also poses a risk to all teeth and all veneers, including Empress porcelain veneers, and can cause them to break. Since restorations are done individually, in such a case, the remaining pieces of the broken Empress must be removed and a new tooth applied.

How long does Empress veneering take?

Assuming that the gums and teeth are completely healthy, the process takes around 30 minutes for a single tooth, including taking measurements, retraction and temporary restoration. After the first session, the trial stages continue in much shorter sessions. It is cemented to the tooth using special bonding systems. The total duration can range from 3 to 10 days. The number of teeth treated increases the required time. Once Empress is bonded, it cannot be removed in one piece. If necessary, it is removed by breaking it into pieces. The tooth is not damaged during this process.

How Should Care Be Taken for Full Porcelain / Empress Teeth?

They should not be considered any different from your own teeth. Good oral hygiene and regular tooth brushing significantly increase the lifespan of our aesthetic restorations. The tooth brushing technique explained by your dentist should be followed; this is the most important thing. Dental floss and mouthwash can be added if necessary. As it is fixed with Empress special adhesive, it bonds with the tooth. It cannot move out of place.

What are the prices for full porcelain, full ceramic, and Empress teeth?

Full ceramic Empress crown prices vary depending on the number of teeth to be treated, the material used, and any other dental treatments required. The current TDB Guide Price List for Empress crown prices in Istanbul can provide an indication. Empress crowns, one of the most aesthetic dental treatment options, are more expensive than other types of crowns. Detailed information about Empress dental crown prices requires a thorough analysis and planning by a dentist who performs this treatment option.

How much do laminate veneers cost?

The cost of laminate veneers may vary depending on the number of teeth to be treated, the type of laminate, and the pricing policy of the clinic where the procedure will be performed. Therefore, individuals wishing to have laminate veneers as part of their smile design should enquire about pricing during their consultation with the dentist. This will provide a clear answer to the question ‘How much do laminate veneers cost?’ and clarify what factors influence the pricing.

Does getting porcelain teeth hurt?

When porcelain laminates are made, the teeth are minimally ground down. Anaesthesia may be administered during this procedure. As some people’s teeth may be naturally more sensitive, anaesthesia may be preferred during the procedure to avoid pain or discomfort. After the teeth are ground down for porcelain laminates, sensitivity to hot or cold may occur. Temporary veneers are used to prevent potential complaints. In some patients, the amount of grinding is so minimal that sensitivity does not occur, and there is no need to use temporary veneers.

How should one eat after having porcelain laminates fitted?

Individuals who have porcelain laminates fitted should be mindful of what they eat after the procedure. It is important that they do not bite into very hard-shelled foods or eat very hard foods with their teeth. Although porcelain laminates are thin but hard materials and are durable for a long time, eating hard foods or biting hard objects can damage the porcelain veneers. In the early stages after having porcelain laminates fitted, avoiding very hot or very cold drinks or foods for approximately 10–15 days is one of the precautions that can be taken against possible sensitivity issues.

Are laminate veneers, porcelain laminates, laminate teeth and porcelain laminates the same procedures?

Yes, laminate teeth can be referred to by different names. They are known as laminate veneers, leaf teeth, laminate teeth or porcelain veneers.

What is a mock-up?

With laminate veneers, it is possible to see how your teeth will look at the end of the process. Thanks to advancing technological techniques, it is possible to see the results of cosmetic dentistry procedures in advance, with an appearance that is as close as possible to the final outcome. During the initial examination, the patient’s mouth is measured before the teeth are cut or ground down. A model is created from the measurements taken, and a trial run is carried out in the laboratory using a special material. Both the patient and the dentist can make changes to the model obtained, making it possible to understand what the final result will look like.

In which circumstances should porcelain veneers not be used?

In order for porcelain laminate veneers to yield the best results, patient selection must be done correctly. If the patient has advanced gum recession, various gum diseases, dental health that does not meet the necessary criteria, or jaw deformities, the procedure is not recommended.

Can laminate teeth fall out?

One of the biggest concerns for those considering laminate veneers is that they may fall off after being bonded. However, these veneers are bonded very strongly to the prepared tooth. Under normal circumstances, laminate veneers are not expected to fall off. The risk of breakage and falling off is higher in individuals who grind their teeth severely compared to those without bruxism. If teeth grinding is observed in individuals seeking laminate veneers, masseter Botox injections or the use of a night guard are recommended.

Porcelain laminate? Zirconium crown?

Laminate veneers are thin layers of material. In other porcelain veneers, the veneer is placed around the tooth, which has been reduced in size. This procedure may result in a reduction in the natural structure of the tooth. When applying laminate veneers, the aim is to preserve as much of the patient’s natural tooth enamel as possible, with minimal intervention in the tooth structure. However, the decision to proceed must be made by an experienced dentist, taking into account the position of the tooth and the required treatment. When used correctly, both are treatment protocols with advantages over the other.

Porcelain veneers? Composite veneers?

Whilst porcelain laminates are superior in terms of durability and aesthetics, composites are superior in terms of time and cost efficiency and ease of repair.

What is seamless porcelain laminate and when can it be done?

Prepless porcelain laminate veneers are a procedure performed without grinding the teeth. This procedure, which is carried out without any intervention on the tooth surface, can yield highly effective results when the right patients are selected. If the patient’s teeth are smaller than normal, the tooth colour is not significantly dark, and the lip support is low, a no-prep porcelain veneer application can be performed. This application also provides a natural tooth appearance.

What should be considered before getting laminate veneers?

Those who need laminate veneer treatment should have realistic expectations. When there are no underlying dental or gum diseases requiring treatment beforehand, they should choose the colour and shape of the laminate veneers that best suit them and harmonise with their other teeth, rather than focusing solely on their dream appearance. Following the dentist’s recommendations at this stage ensures optimal results. By evaluating the individual’s smile, tooth structure, and tooth colours, laminate veneer applications can be planned to achieve aesthetically optimal results.

Are people who have laminate veneers satisfied?

Laminate veneer treatment, which involves the production of customised veneers and their careful application by experienced dentists, is among the procedures that yield high patient satisfaction. To maintain satisfaction with laminate veneers, it is important that patients do not neglect their oral and dental care routines.