crowns and veneers
crowns
A crown is a cap that covers the whole of the tooth. It protects the tooth from further damage and can be used to revitalize and change the shape of the original tooth.
Crowns can be made from all porcelain to give a superior aesthetic result or a combination of porcelain and metal.
porcelain veneers
These are thin, tooth coloured porcelain (ceramic) shells carefully crafted to bond to and cover the front of unsightly teeth. They are a more conservative treatment than a crown and can often be used as an alternative if the underlying tooth is strong and healthy.
Veneers are excellent for treating chipped, discoloured, slightly misaligned or misshapen teeth or gaps between the teeth, especially if these defects affect the front teeth. A tooth that is too small or has irregularities can be successfully treated with a veneer.
Two or three visits to your dentist will usually be required to measure and fit the veneers.
An appointment typically takes from one to two hours depending on the number of teeth to be treated. To prepare each tooth, your dentist will remove a thin layer, about the thickness of a fingernail, from the surface of the tooth. This allows room for the veneer to be glued into place later.
An impression is taken of your teeth and sent to a dental ceramist, who manufactures the veneers to fit your teeth.
Cementing of the new veneers occurs at the next appointment and may take a few hours. Your dentist will check on the colour and fit before finally bonding them into place.
Advantages of Veneers
- Application is relatively painless.
- If the tooth underneath is strong enough, veneers can be a simpler and cheaper alternative to crowns.
- Veneers are resistant to staining due to age, tea, coffee or smoking.
- The porcelain and the cement used in the cementing process are strong, making veneers comparable in strength to normal teeth.
- When applied professionally and cared for regularly, veneers can last for many years.
- Porcelain will not decay.All the rage to create the perfect smile.
- A porcelain veneer is an ultra thin coating of porcelain bonded directly to the front surface of a tooth.
- They can change the colour, shape and length of your teeth while being strong and the most natural of all dental materials.