subject: Improve Tooth Appearance With Porcelain Crowns And Veneers [print this page] Cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistryoffer a range of dental appliancesand techniques to enhance the esthetics of a tooth. Porcelain veneers and crowns are two dental devices popularly used, and despite the minor differences in the structure and shape of the two, they nevertheless contribute to perfect a broken or discolored tooth.
Cosmetic and restorative dentistry is the branch of dental science specializing in smile improvement through the rehabilitation of teeth and gums. Crowns and veneers are primarily used to cap and cover damaged and discolored teeth that may have already received endodontic treatment. Both devices can be madeofporcelain, ceramic or dental resin, and it is generally knownthat porcelain material is best suited to match the color of the natural teeth. If there is a difference between the two cosmetic restorations, it is primarily about the extent to which the tooth is covered by each.
A crown would cap the whole tooth, while a veneer would only cover the front, visible surface of the tooth. A secondary characteristic is that a crown would be thicker than a veneer. A crown would be at least 2mm thick, and when capping a tooth with a crown the dentist would first need to shave off a similar layer ofthe enamel of the tooth to allow space for the crown. The reason for this is the crown then becomes the tooths new surface and protection cap. A dental crown is ideal to cover a broken or chipped tooth to give it strength, prevent further breakage, and restore the functionality of the broken tooth. Furthermore, a crown can also alter the shape of a tooth and contribute to the symmetry and esthetics of a smile.
A veneer is constructed to cover the front surface of a tooth, and hence, is manufactured to be delicate and thin usually .5mm or less. When bonding a veneer to the tooth, the surface enamel of the tooth is shaved off, but due to its being thinner, less tooth enamel needs shaving off to accommodate the veneer. A veneer is best suited to covera discolored or mildly chipped tooth to give an instant color and contour boost.
The choice between the two cosmetic devices should be made after an evaluation by a cosmetic dentist. A crown would be more costly than a veneer because of the level of customization and material used. Furthermore, the cost of each optionwould also be determined by the choice of material,becauseporcelain and ceramic are more expensive than dental resin.
