As we get older suddenly we realised many things we didn't appreciate about being young - being fit, having smooth skin and having all your own teeth. As our loose teeth (and bridges) struggle to deal with chewier food we start eating bland mush and, there is no easy way to say this, OLD PEOPLE FOOD. I'm determined not to let that happen to me and I'm doing everything I can to keep my own teeth as long as possible, and when that's not possible to get the best possible teeth replacement. If you are like me and want to keep on eating whatever you want, I think you'll like my site. It's all about dental health and teeth replacement & maintenance.
Keeping your teeth young
How to Choose Between Crowns and Veneers
Mabel Hicks
If you are not happy with your smile, you may be considering covering your teeth with either dental crowns or veneers. While each of these options are made from porcelain and can be made to improve your smile and match the shade of your other teeth, they are not intended for the same purpose in every case. Here are some questions to ask yourself when deciding which is a better option for you.
Do you need cosmetic or restorative treatment?
The first important question to ask yourself if you are deciding between veneers or a dental crown is whether you only need to improve the appearance of your teeth, or if you also need restorative treatment. While dental crowns do cover your teeth and improve their appearance, they are intended for restorative purposes. The crown is a cap over your entire tooth, which helps to protect the natural tooth from breaking. With a dental veneer, it is only bonded to the front of the tooth, so it only good for improving the appearance, but offers no strength or restorative benefits.
Are you concerned with how much tooth loss you experience?
In both instances, you will lose some of the surface of your natural tooth to prepare them for the procedure. This involves filing down the tooth to accommodate the size of the crown or veneer. With a dental crown, a little more of the natural tooth needs to be removed, since the crown must cover the entire tooth. When you get dental veneers, a little less is removed since it is only going over the top surface of the tooth. If you are concerned with filing down your natural teeth, veneers might be the better option.
Is your natural tooth at risk of breaking?
You may not be in need of restorative treatment yet, but if your tooth has lost some of its enamel or is experiencing dental decay, it is at a higher risk of eventually breaking. In this case, you really should consider getting a dental crown. With a veneer, it isn't going to prevent breaking of the tooth, which could cause you to lose the entire tooth and end up requiring an implant. If you protected it now with a crown, you have a higher probability of protecting that natural tooth.
Which of your teeth need the crowns of your veneers?
Dental crowns help to improve the appearance of all your teeth, regardless of where they are in your mouth. So if you have a molar that has turned discoloured and you want to improve it, a crown is your best option. Dental veneers are only intended for the front teeth. If you have a tooth up front with discolouration or is an odd shape or size, a veneer is a good option.
For more information, contact Williams Landing Dental Clinic or a similar location.
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