Overview
Laminate veneers are also known as porcelain laminates or porcelain veneers, a fairly new dental technology in the field of cosmetic dentistry. Laminate veneers are thin shells made of porcelain bonded onto the front side of teeth to enhance their appearance. Laminate veneers restore beautiful and healthy looking smiles to individuals suffering from stained or otherwise damaged teeth.

About Laminate Veneers
Porcelain laminate veneers are thin, translucent materials that most closely match the color, spacing and shape of natural teeth. Laminate veneers offer individuals a more natural appearance, enhancing confidence and appearance. Porcelain laminate veneers offer permanent tooth restoration and appearance that covers imperfections and damage to tooth surfaces.

In most cases, laminate veneers must be applied in two office visits. During the first appointment, the teeth are prepared for the laminate veneer. Impressions will be taken to determine the shape of the teeth, and tooth shade will be noted in order to provide a close match with the laminate veneer. At the end of the first dental visit, a temporary bonding material coats prepared teeth, over which the porcelain laminate veneers will be placed a week later.

To prepare the tooth or teeth for laminate veneers, the tooth enamel is shaped and trimmed. The patient will be able to determine whether not he or she would like a numbing agent or anesthetic prior to this process, though discomfort is often very minimal.

Following the trimming of the original tooth enamel, the dentist will make an impression of the tooth or teeth using impression putty. The impression will be sent to a dental laboratory, where the porcelain laminate veneers will be formed. This process may take a couple of weeks, followed by another dental appointment during which the laminate veneer is attached with a special cement or bonding material.

Who Benefits From Laminate Veneers?
Anyone suffering stained, slightly crooked or damaged teeth may benefit from dental laminate veneers. Such veneers are of the most natural looking and capable of covering slight imperfections such as chipped teeth, gaps or spaces between the teeth, or teeth that are too long or too short, enhancing a parent's and self confidence. Laminate veneers, unlike dentures, enable individuals to eat anything, including corn on the cob, apples, and other hard foods, and don't require special upkeep or maintenance.

How Much Do Porcelain Laminate Veneers Cost?
The cost of porcelain laminate veneers will be determined by a variety of factors and the number of veneers desired by individuals patients. In most cases, dentists charge a "per unit" fee, meaning each laminate is charged separately. In the United States, the price range estimate for single porcelain laminate veneers is approximately $200 to $2,000. Geography, availability of a large cosmetic dentistry practice, and whether  or not temporary veneers may be required will have a direct impact on such costs.

Individuals traveling to international destinations for dental care enjoy the benefit of large savings on porcelain laminate veneers. For example, travelers visiting Costa Rica, Mexico, India or Thailand may save between 60 and 80% over prices charged in the United States, while at the same time benefiting from highly trained, experienced, and certified dental experts in these countries.

Who Applies Porcelain Laminate Veneers?
A cosmetic dentist specially trained in the application of veneers may perform cosmetic dentistry services. As with any other dentist or physician, consumers should always take the time to research the education, experience, and certification of dental professionals before choosing a specific dentist or location for dental veneer procedures. Dentists, cosmetic dentists and specialists should be accredited and certified in their country of origin as well as belong to national and or international dental or cosmetic dental organizations or associations.