Smile Makeovers with Porcelain Veneers and Crowns

Having a smile you are proud to share with the world is a powerful tool that can have a positive impact on your self-confidence and in-turn your life. There are several factors that contribute to a beautiful smile. We have to consider the color, size, and shape of your teeth and where they fall within the frame of your mouth. Many people have heard of the terms veneers and crowns, but what exactly are they?
 

Porcelain veneers and crowns are a popular way of fixing a crooked smile. They can be used for cosmetic purposes and are applied over your original teeth to change the way they look. They help to cover chips, cracks, close gaps, and cover-up crooked teeth so they appear straight. 
 

Dental veneers are made with thin layers of porcelain and are customized to look like natural teeth. They are cemented over the front surface of your teeth to act as a disguise for your natural teeth. Having porcelain veneers can be compared to having acrylic nails. The goal is to hide your nails so all you can see are pretty and perfect acrylic nails. Veneers and crowns can both work to achieve a similar result so you cannot see your natural teeth. 

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped covers or caps also made of porcelain. Many times crowns are required in place of veneers when the teeth have had previous treatments such as fillings or root canals. Like veneers, crowns are also cemented onto your teeth, however, they cover all sides of your teeth, not just the front of them. Both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns are customized to the size, shape, and color of your liking. Here are cases in which veneers and crowns are widely used:

Stained Teeth

Discolored teeth are a common problem. Teeth discoloration can be caused by age, smoking, poor oral hygiene, and too much fluoride in water. Some foods such as coffee and other strong colored foods can stain teeth over time. Extensive cavities and old teeth fillings can discolor teeth, as well. Teeth bleaching is an option to help achieve whiter teeth, however, many times bleaching cannot solve the teeth discoloration problem. In these instances, veneers would be utilized to hide the discoloration

Chipped Teeth

Veneers are used to conceal minor cosmetic teeth issues. Teeth cracks, chips, and odd shapes are easily fixed using veneers. They adhere to the original tooth and give the most natural correction possible. They not only repair the tooth for better functioning but they provide an improvement in appearance as well.

Crooked Teeth

Misaligned teeth many times can also be treated with veneers. Crooked teeth can be a result of a small jaw or injury. Veneers can be used to restore harmony in the smile where crooked teeth are involved. They can also be used to close small gaps between teeth so they are not visible. 

Alternative Crown Applications

When bacteria begin to eat away at tooth structure, it can result in a cavity. Many times when the cavities are left untreated and become severe, we can begin to see holes in the teeth. Severe cavities are commonly fixed with root canal treatments. A dental crown is fitted to cover the hole after a severe cavity, root canal treatment, or even a cracked tooth. It helps the tooth function well, and it keeps debris from getting into the tooth. It also can be used preventatively to protect the tooth from cracking further and resulting in pain or tooth loss.

Am I a Candidate?

There are many factors that determine whether you are a candidate for veneers or crowns. Veneers work best for front teeth and cannot be used on back teeth, also called molars. Crowns can be utilized on all teeth including front and back teeth. In order to place porcelain veneers and crowns, minimal preparation of your teeth is required. Once your teeth have been prepared in this manner, you must continue to have veneers or crowns for the rest of your life. They are utilized to simulate natural teeth in terms of aesthetics and function, however, they are not reversible. Speak with your dentist to find out more information about these cosmetic treatments and the process!
 

To know more about dental veneers and crowns, visit Hamlin Modern Dentistry at our office in Winter Garden, Florida. You can also call us at (407) 993-6370 to book your appointment today.