As a person ages, they can often use some help when it comes to the aesthetic appearance of the mouth. Two of the most popular methods of improving the look and function of the teeth are dental crowns and veneers. The main difference between the two cosmetic dentistry treatments is that a veneer will only cover the front of the tooth while a crown will cover the whole tooth. Interested in learning more about veneers and crowns? The informative answers are located in the article below.
A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain (or other materials) that is about 1mm in thickness. A crown is made of porcelain, or an all-metal alloy and it is about 2mm in thickness.
Some of the common reasons to have them placed in the mouth in order to restore its appearance and functionality include:
Both treatment options can be color matched to the teeth (except for a crown that is made of all-metal).
Since veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth, they are not as invasive a treatment as crowns. The preparation process for veneers leaves more of the original tooth of the patient intact. The dentist will ground about a half a millimeter of the front of the tooth in order to prepare the tooth for bonding the veneer to it. The cosmetic dentist makes an impression of the prepared tooth in order for the veneer to be created.
Depending on the amount of time it will take to create the permanent veneer, it might be necessary to have a temporary veneer placed on the tooth until it is ready. The final veneer is bonded to the tooth using a special cement that is hardened on the tooth using an ultraviolet lamp.
If the patent is going to have a crown placed over the entire tooth, a larger portion of the tooth will need to be filed off in order to properly prepare for the placement of the dental crown. Patients suffering from tooth decay will need to have the decayed part of the tooth removed before the crown is placed. In addition, the tooth might need to be built up in order to better support the crown.
The dentist will make an impression of the tooth in order to create a mold. It might be necessary to have a temporary crown placed so the tooth can easily be used while the permanent crown is being produced. Once the permanent crown is ready, it will be placed on the tooth and also adjusted so the fit and the bite are correct. Once the fit is correct, the crown will be cemented into place.
If the targeted tooth is largely intact and the veneer is being placed for mostly cosmetic purposes like a minor shape correction, a veneer might be the best choice.
If the targeted tooth is worn or cracked, a crown is probably the best option.
Here are some other factors to keep in mind when deciding between veneers and crowns:
Before making the final decision to have veneers or crowns placed in the mouth, consult with a cosmetic dentist to see which options will provide the best, and most natural looking, results. The dentist can also give a patient a good idea about whether or not some of the cost of the procedure will be covered by insurance.
The dentist will also examine the mouth to determine the current condition of the teeth and how they will respond to cosmetic dentistry. It is also important for the dentist to be experienced and board-certified so the patient can be assured that they are trusting their teeth to the right person.
The dentist can also share other possible treatment options and give the patient a better idea about how long the crown or veneers will last once they are placed in the mouth.
Once the patient has a firm idea about the benefits and disadvantages of each treatment option, an educated decision can be made about the preferred treatment option.
- MA
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