Lets face it when it comes to our appearance, we all desire a beautiful smile. Unfortunately, for most of us it is just a desire. If you want to improve your smile and have chipped or cracked teeth, you may be asking: Dental veneers or crowns which is better for me?
The answer to that question, sadly, may not be a simple one. Your dentist will most likely answer that the decision is based on many factors including your tooth structure, whether decay is present, or whether you have previously undergone root canal therapy.
Generally, veneers will be the best option for you if you want to improve the color or shape of your teeth. Other issues that can be corrected with veneers are excess space between teeth and crowding.
In some cases, a crown will be a better choice. This occurs most frequently where there is less tooth structure (usually because of tooth decay) or if you have previously had root canal therapy.
The placing of veneers will require two or three visits to your Boulder cosmetic dentist. Some will simply perform an exam and discuss options with you at the first visit. In other instances, the process will actually be begun at that first visit. Either way, the enamel of your teeth will be trimmed to match the approximate thickness of the veneer. An impression of your teeth will be taken, which will be sent to a lab for creation of the veneer(s).
At the second visit, the dentist will place the dental veneer over the tooth to check the shade and color. The shade can be tweaked if required with the shade of cement that is used. At times, some trimming may also be needed. Your tooth will then be cleaned and polished. The veneer will be placed on the tooth with cement. A special light activates the chemicals in the cement, curing it. Excess cement will be removed if necessary, the dentist will evaluate the placement, and voila! Your new beautiful tooth will be in place!
If a crown is the option you need, a somewhat similar process will occur. X-rays will ensure the healthiness of the tooth. If no decay is present, the dentist will begin the process by numbing the area. The tooth will be trimmed and a paste or putty will be used to make an impression, which will also be sent to a lab. A temporary crown will cover and protect your tooth while the crown is being created.
The second visit will entail removal of the temporary crown and a check of the fit and color of the crown, as in the veneer process. The tooth will again be numbed and the crown placed.
As you can see, the question of which is right for you dental veneers or crowns will be an individual choice determined by the condition of your teeth and the dentists recommendation.
