Hello! This is Yonsei JW Dental Clinic in Daechi-dong (Gangnam, Seoul, Korea)
Recently, we came across an article where a famous basketball player was involved in a legal dispute with his ex-girlfriend, and it was mentioned that his laminate broke. Laminates became widely known to the public through celebrities who often undergo this procedure. Their stories about having white, even teeth have been shared on television, making it popular among regular people as well.
What are Laminates?
Laminates are a cosmetic dental treatment where a thin ceramic shell is bonded to the front surface of the tooth after removing about 0.3 to 0.4 mm of the tooth enamel to improve the appearance of the teeth.
Since the amount of tooth reduction is minimal, natural tooth structure is preserved as much as possible, and there's no need for root canal treatment. Laminates are highly effective for improving tooth color, and the procedure is relatively quick without the need to adjust the bite.
It also provides a permanent whitening effect for your teeth.
What is the Difference Between Dental Veneers and Laminates?
The terms "laminate" and "veneer" are often used interchangeably in dentistry. Typically, laminates are made of thin layers of ceramic or porcelain. Veneers are also usually made from porcelain or composite resin.
Laminates are thinner, primarily for cosmetic changes (especially to improve color and shape), and require minimal tooth reduction.
Veneers are slightly thicker, often used for both cosmetic and restorative purposes, and may require more tooth preparation.
Advantages of Laminates:
Laminates allow for aesthetic improvements in a short period of time. They replicate the color and shine of natural teeth almost perfectly. They also have excellent durability, being tough and resistant to wear. If you have enough time, orthodontic treatment to align the teeth would be the most ideal, but if orthodontic treatment is difficult due to time constraints, or if quick aesthetic improvement is necessary, laminates can be an option.
Disadvantages of Laminates:
One drawback of laminates is that in some cases, a portion of the tooth may need to be shaved down, making it difficult to revert to the original tooth structure after the procedure. Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity after treatment. Although ceramic laminates are strong, they can break under strong impacts or pressure. The color of laminates is fixed, so once they are applied, it is not possible to change the color.
If you are considering laminates, it is highly recommended to have a thorough consultation with your dentist. Since aesthetics are the primary focus of laminate treatment, and the judgment on the outcome is subjective, clear communication is essential. Additionally, it’s crucial to perform a detailed diagnosis of the patient’s dental condition and plan the treatment accordingly.
Yonsei JW Dental Clinic is located at 3F, 541 Dogok-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul, Korea. (06189)
Located next to the BMW building
(across from Starbucks/Samsung Store)
Convenient and free parking available
For consultations and inquiries: 02-501-2879
You can schedule an appointment by instagram DM, whatsapp, or calling 02-501-2879
Please feel free to contact us for any questions!
Thank you very much.