Laminate veneers (porcelain laminates) are thin porcelain layers bonded to the front surface of the teeth, used in aesthetic dentistry to rearrange the colour and form of teeth. A zirconia crown, on the other hand, is a restoration that covers the whole tooth, with porcelain applied over a zirconia substructure. The choice between the two methods is made by the dentist after evaluating the existing tooth structure, the bite relationship, any clenching habit and the findings of the intraoral examination.
What is a laminate veneer
Laminate veneers are thin porcelain shells applied to the front surface of the teeth. They are among the options that may be considered for aesthetic complaints such as permanent discolouration, form irregularities due to fracture or wear, and mild crowding. In suitable patients they can be planned with a limited amount of reduction of the tooth structure; however, whether the application is possible is determined after an intraoral examination.
What is a zirconia crown
A zirconia crown is a restoration in which porcelain is layered over a zirconia substructure and the tooth is covered on all sides. It may be considered in teeth with extensive loss of substance, in teeth that have previously undergone root canal treatment, and in situations where a fixed prosthesis is planned. The suitability of the tooth for this restoration is assessed by the dentist through examination and, where necessary, radiographic evaluation.
How the method is decided
There is no single answer that applies to every patient; the decision is specific to the individual. The following points are generally evaluated during the examination:
- Where the tooth structure is largely intact and only colour and form arrangement is being considered, a laminate veneer may be evaluated.
- Where there is extensive loss of substance, large existing fillings or a history of root canal treatment, a zirconia crown covering the entire tooth may come into consideration.
- In patients with clenching (bruxism) or a bite disorder, planning is handled together with bringing that condition under control.
- Oral hygiene habits and gum health directly affect planning in both methods.
How the procedure proceeds
- Patient record, intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation
- Smile analysis and sharing of the treatment options with the patient
- Digital impression and planning, where considered necessary
- Shade selection and preparation of the teeth in line with the plan
- Temporary restorations during the laboratory stage
- Try-in, adjustment and final bonding of the restorations
- Follow-up appointments and review of oral hygiene habits
Care after the procedure
After the restorations are placed, brushing twice a day, cleaning the interdental areas and attending regular check-up appointments are recommended. Habits such as biting hard objects and opening packaging with the teeth may damage the restorations. If clenching is present, the dentist may recommend a night guard. The follow-up interval is determined by the dentist according to the patient’s oral and dental health condition.
When treatment is postponed until other findings are handled
Veneers and crowns are placed onto teeth and against gum tissue, so both need to be in a settled condition first. Active decay, an untreated root canal, inflamed gums or a recent extraction site in the same area are usually addressed before the restorative stage begins. Starting earlier can mean the work has to be revisited. The sequence is set out at the planning appointment so that the overall timeline is clear from the start.
Temporary restorations between appointments
Once a tooth has been prepared it is not left uncovered. A temporary restoration protects the prepared surface, keeps the gum in position and allows normal appearance and function while the definitive work is produced. Temporaries are attached with a material intended to be removed, so they need more care than the final restoration: hard and sticky foods on that side are avoided, and floss is drawn out sideways rather than lifted upwards.
How the shade is chosen
Shade is assessed against the neighbouring teeth and, where possible, under more than one light source, since a single artificial light can be misleading. If a shade change is planned for the remaining natural teeth, it is generally completed before the final shade is selected, because restorative materials do not respond to whitening agents afterwards. Photographs are often taken at this stage so that the laboratory has a reference beyond a written shade number.
Habits that shorten the life of a restoration
Grinding and clenching place repeated load on the restored surfaces and are recorded during planning; a night guard may be considered where a habit is present. Opening packaging with the teeth, biting nails or pens, and chewing ice place point loads that the material is not intended to take. Intensely coloured drinks and smoking affect the natural tooth surfaces and the margin where the restoration meets the gum rather than the restoration itself.
If a restoration comes loose or fractures
The clinic should be contacted and an appointment arranged. A loose piece should be kept and brought along rather than refitted at home with an adhesive, since household materials can make the surface unusable and complicate the repair. Until the appointment, chewing on the other side and keeping the exposed area clean is advised. Whether the piece can be rebonded or needs remaking is assessed at examination.
Planning visits from abroad
Veneer and crown treatment is usually spread over more than one appointment, with laboratory time between preparation and fitting. Where preparatory treatment is also required, the overall period is longer. Please contact the clinic in advance so that the number of appointments and the time between them can be discussed before travel arrangements are made.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the treatment take
The number of sessions and the total duration vary according to the number of teeth to be treated and the laboratory stages. The schedule is shared with the patient after the examination.
If you have a question about this subject, you can reach our clinic.
Is tooth reduction required
The amount of reduction differs between the two methods and is determined according to the condition of the tooth. Whether reduction is required and to what extent is decided by the dentist after examination.
Can the colour be changed later
The colour of porcelain restorations does not change with whitening procedures. For this reason, shade selection is made together with the patient before the procedure.
The information on this page is for general information purposes only and does not replace an examination by a dentist. Diagnosis and treatment planning are carried out by the dentist following an intraoral examination and, where considered necessary, radiographic evaluation.
Related content
Related pages
- Our dental treatments — an overview of the treatments carried out at our clinic.
- Our dentists — the dentists working at our clinic.
- Contact us — appointment and directions.
You can reach our clinic for information and appointments.
Serdent Ağız ve Diş Sağlığı Polikliniği
Yenibağlar Mah. Fabrikalar Sok. No: 12/A, Tepebaşı / Eskişehir
Every day 09:30 – 20:30