Lamina Porcelain

In this technique, a preparation (removal) of 0.3-1 mm is made from the tooth, and in some cases, from the lifeless enamel tissue, and a measurement is taken. Applied in the form of affixing to the front surface of the teeth, it’s a very aesthetic application. An absolutely natural tooth appearance is achieved. Laminate porcelains are very thin ceramic materials that we use especially on front teeth. It is applied to people who aren’t satisfied with the shape and color of their teeth, who have broken, worn, overlapping teeth, and who have gaps between their teeth, which we call diestema. The most important feature is the preparation of the tooth by an average of 0.5 mm abrasion on the front surfaces of the teeth. Porcelain laminates are affixed to the tooth with a unique technique called “today’s adhesive techniques.” So how does a piece of such fragile and thin porcelain show exhibit a strong structure? Well, after laminate porcelain is adhered, it exhibits the same physical properties as tooth enamel. The wearing down of the teeth, measuring, making and bonding of laminates are valid for porcelains that are prepared very sensitively and meticulously. Otherwise, negative results may be encountered.

Who Is Laminated Porcelain Suitable For?

• People with minor fractures, notches or deformities with their front teeth
• People who have discoloration of their teeth or aren’t satisfied with their color
• People who have teeth stained by tetracycline or excessive fluoride intake
• People with teeth discolored as a result of trauma or root canal treatment
• People with gaping front teeth
• People who have deformities in their front teeth and don’t accept orthodontic treatment.

First Appointment

Your dentist’s first appointment for evaluation of your teeth First of all, all your maxillofacial records, photographs, lower-upper jaw model, current tooth color, and panoramic film are obtained. At the first appointment, the patient’s wishes, expectations, and how he/she wants changes to their teeth are evaluated. Temporary laminates are made on the molds formed from the measurements taken from the patient, and an overall idea about the final state of the prosthesis is formed. Today’s computers can show the final image of the prosthesis with imaging programs.

First Step: Cutting the Front Surface of the Tooth

Anesthesia can be administered at this stage if necessary. The goal is to make as little of a cut as possible, varying between 0.5 – 2.00 mm., according to the case. Moreover, it is obtaining a laminated surface of equal thickness whereas the cut is made in that direction. Sometimes the natural position of the teeth is so far back that the tooth may not need to be cut.

Taking Measurements

Measurements of laminate porcelains are acquired using very sensitive techniques and sensitive measuring materials. After the measurement is taken, your molds are obtained in the laboratory. The technician and your doctor consult one another at this stage.

Temporary Lamina

After your teeth are cut, you’ll feel rough surfaces in the front area. Moreover, you may feel protruding or angular areas with your tongue. In some cases, you may feel mild hot-cold sensitivity as the enamel on the front surface of your teeth is reduced. For these reasons, you’ll have temporary laminates fitted during the waiting period. These laminates are made of composite material and take some time to make. These aren’t very durable and can often break when removing. Your temporary examples also give an approximation of how the laminate porcelain will look.

Bonding of Laminate Porcelain

Before your laminates are attached, a rehearsal is done to see if everything is as desired. Sometimes your doctor may want to make some changes even though your laminates are in ideal shape. The true color of porcelain laminates is revealed only with the cement to be adhered. Since the laminates are very thin, you cannot see the exact clear color since they aren’t adhered during the rehearsal. In this case, your doctor will show you the color you decided at the beginning only after the laminates have been affixed. You’ll see that this color is the color agreed with you. Recently, water-soluble test pastes have also been made available. These test pastes can also provide information on the appearance of the final color. The bonding technique is different from the bonding of other porcelain crowns. Both teeth and laminates are prepared at the same time for bonding. Both are washed and dried. In the first stage, the front surface of your tooth is etched with phosphoric acid. This etching is microscopic and allows the adhesive to adhere well to the tooth surface. Then bonding elements, which allow the cement to adhere to the tooth by chemical means, are applied to the tooth. While all these are being done, laminates are also put through a number of simultaneous chemical processes. An adhesive agent, hydrofluoric acid, then porcelain bond is applied, in that order. While applying these chemicals, each one is a process that requires great care. After all these processes are completed, the adhesive cement is placed on the inner surface of the laminate in such a way that it protrudes slightly. Excesses are cleared away very delicately, and a certain wavelength of light is given to the surface of the tooth from each surface. Your closure is checked for the last time and the final touches are made.

Caring for Your Laminate Porcelain

Basically, brushing and flossing as directed by your doctor should be done at least twice a day. As for the toothpaste, non-abrasive fluorine-containing pastes should be used.
With your laminate porcelain, you should definitely not allow bacterial plaque to accumulate in the part of the tooth close to the gums. Otherwise, plaque accumulation here will cause gingivitis and even gum recession.
You should avoid excessive and harsh force. For instance, if you’re dealing with various blows, constant nail biting, or a sports activity that will cause a blow to your mouth, you should wear a mouth guard. If you have a habit of clenching your teeth at night, you should definitely wear the protective plates made by your doctor.

Situations in which Laminate Porcelain Production is Inappropriate

• People with unhealthy gums. The gums of these people should be treated first.
• If a large part of the tooth is lost.
• Again, in cases where a large amount of tooth enamel is lost. The bonding elements that adhere the laminates mainly stick to the enamel. If there is little or no enamel, there will be a sticking problem.
• People whose teeth have been cut before.
• People who grind their teeth without realizing it (bruxism), especially at night, should definitely use a night protective plate. Otherwise, they can’t become laminate porcelain patients.