Cosmetic Dentistry Series: Crowns & Veneers

Whether it’s a minor fix or a major repair, your dentist has the ability to transform your mouth into a kingdom of pearly whites that are as aligned as a military formation. He or she can close spaces, reshape teeth and restore worn or short ones. If your teeth are missing, chipped or discolored, there’s a dental solution for your
problem. Among the most common cosmetic dental procedures, crowns and veneers can help you restore the shape of your teeth and their appearance.

Crowns

Also known as ‘caps,’ a dentist uses crowns to cover a tooth to restore it to its regular shape and appearance. Since they’re relatively expensive, they’re only used when other dental procedures won’t be as effective. While crowns last longer than any other kind of dental restoration, it’s the longest procedure to sit through.  

You might need a crown if:

• Your tooth is weak or cracked
• Your tooth is broken or has been severely worn down

Veneers

Veneers, on the other hand, are thin pieces of plastic or porcelain that a dentist places over the front of your teeth to change the color or the shape of them. While veneers are a relatively cheaper alternative to crowns, they are usually used to treat some of the same dental issues as bonding because they last longer and have greater
color stability. As with bonding, there’s little to no anesthesia needed.

You might need a veneer if:

• Your tooth has uneven surfaces
• Your tooth is chipped, oddly shaped, discolored or crooked

For more information about crowns and veneers, contact our dental office today.