Laminate vs Veneer — Which Is the Correct Term in Korea?

1. Technically speaking

• “Veneer” is the correct global term used in international dentistry.
  It refers to a thin shell (usually porcelain or composite) bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve color, shape, or alignment.
• “Laminate” is a regional term, especially popular in Korea and Japan, referring to the same procedure—porcelain veneers—but often emphasizing the ultra-thin, minimal-prep version.

In Korean clinics, “라미네이트 (laminate)” has become the standard word patients use when asking for veneers, even though in English it would simply be called a veneer.

2. How the Terms Are Used in Korea

TermKorean UsageEnglish EquivalentNotesLaminate (라미네이트)Commonly used by Korean clinics and patientsPorcelain VeneersUsually refers to thin or minimal-prep veneers for cosmetic enhancementVeneerUsed in international dentistry and English-language clinic websitesSame meaningMore familiar to foreign patients or expats

Example:
A Korean clinic might advertise “Ceramic Laminate (세라믹 라미네이트)” — but the same treatment would be called “Porcelain Veneers” in an English-speaking country.

3. Summary

• Both terms are correct — it depends on context.
• In Korean marketing and patient communication, “laminate” sounds more familiar and trendy.
• In international or English SEO content, “veneer” is the better keyword for global visibility.