Dental Laminates vs. Composites: What’s the Difference?

The difference of laminates andcomposite dental materials

One of the most common questions from you users in the health sectionSelMagzis about the differencebetween laminates and composites.The best way to identify the difference between these two is to explain each one and point out their differences so that you can choose better and easier.

What is dental laminate??

A dental laminate is a thin shell colored like a tooth that is placed over teeth to improve the smile design. It changes the color, shape, size, or length of teeth according to individual preferences. In this section of SelMagz, we present the differences between ceramic dental laminates and composite dental laminates.

Types of dental laminates

Dental laminates are generally classified into two categories based on the type of material:

Ceramic dental laminate

Ceramic laminate or porcelain veneer is a thin ceramic cover made in a lab based on the shape of the patient’s teeth, and is secured onto the teeth using special materials after shaping by the dentist.

Composite dental laminate

Composite laminate is made from a polymer (a type of plastic) that matches the color of teeth. This type of laminate usually does not require the teeth to be reshaped. The polymer is first shaped into a paste in the dentist’s office, then placed on the tooth and hardened with laser light.

What is the difference between composite and laminate?

The differences between composite and dental laminate are:

1. Ceramic dental laminate is made of porcelain, while composite is made of polymer.
2. Laminates are made in a lab, whereas dental composites are created in the dentist’s office.
3. Composite is cheaper than laminate. The price difference means laminates typically cost double compared to composite crowns.
4. The color stability of laminate is higher than that of composite.
5. Ceramic dental laminate lasts longer than composite.
6. The laminate procedure (porcelain veneer) is not reversible; it requires reshaping the tooth, while composite requires less shaping.
7. Laminates require anesthesia.
8. Composite veneers can be completed in one visit, but ceramic dental laminates need two to three weeks.
9. Laminates typically last about 10-15 years, while composite crowns tend to last around half that time, approximately 5-7 years.
10. Ceramic laminate does not require polishing, but composite veneer needs polishing at intervals of a year or more.