Dental Crowns And Veneers
If you would like to improve the look of your smile, you are probably planning to start with your teeth. There are many cosmetic dental procedures that are able to make teeth appear more attractive. However, if you have multiple issues with the appearance of your teeth, you may not know where to begin. If you whiten a tooth that is chipped, cracked, or misshapen, the overall look of the tooth may still be less than desirable. Still, there are cosmetic applications that can correct multiple dental blemishes at once, such as dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Here is a bit of information about these two applications and their benefits.
Are dental crowns and porcelain veneers basically the same?
A dental crown engulfs the entire natural crown of a tooth. As a result, the device protects and covers all sides of the exposed tooth surfaces. A porcelain veneer, on the other hand, is attached to the front of a tooth, leaving the remaining sides of the natural crown uncovered.
Are dental crowns made of porcelain?
Dental crowns can be made of porcelain. However, they can also be fashioned from other suitable materials, such as resin, stainless steel, porcelain-over-metal, or silver. The material used is often matched to the budget and needs of the patient. Porcelain crowns tend to be more expensive than stainless crowns, but the porcelain can be matched to the exact shade of the patient's other teeth, making the crown less noticeable in the mouth. Nevertheless, stainless crowns are often used in pediatric dentistry and to protect teeth that are located in the back of the mouth.
What types of dental issues can be corrected by a dental crown or a dental veneer?
Practically any cosmetic dental issue can be corrected using a crown or a veneer. The applications work by concealing blemishes instead of chemically correcting them, as a dental bleach would. Here are some common issues that negatively affect the appearance of a smile and can be corrected by crowns and veneers:
- Teeth with an unusual or irregular shape
- Teeth that are too small
- Teeth that are slightly misaligned
- Teeth that are yellow or discolored (even if the discoloration is permanent)
- Teeth that are chipped or cracked
Are crowns and veneers long-lasting?
Crowns and veneers are designed to last for years. However, a crown or veneer may need to be replaced if the patient's gums recede, since the device will no longer fit flush against the gum line.
To learn more about dental crowns and veneers, schedule a consultation with a cosmetic dentist in your area.