Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are cosmetic and restorative dental appliances used to change the appearance of your teeth. If you have a tooth that is cracked, chipped, fractured, decayed, abnormally-shaped, or discolored you may benefit from a veneer or crown. Our experienced team at Cooley Smiles can help you decide which restoration is right for you. What Are Porcelain Veneers?
A porcelain veneer is a thin shell that is designed to cover the front surface of a tooth. Each veneer is custom-shaped to the fit the contour of your teeth. The right veneer is a quick and easy way to fix a cosmetic issue in your smile. We may recommend a veneer for teeth that have minor chips, stains, or gaps in between them. The most common material for a veneer is porcelain. Porcelain is the ideal material for veneers because it provides strength and an appearance that is comparable to natural tooth enamel.
During your consultation, our dentists will review the procedure, and determine with you whether or not veneers are the ideal solution. The procedure for porcelain veneers is broken down into two appointments.
During your first appointment, we will remove a minor amount of enamel from the front surface of the tooth. Typically, we remove about ½ millimeter of enamel to accommodate the thickness of a veneer. Once the tooth is prepared, we will make an impression and send it to the laboratory. At the lab, our technicians will fabricate your veneer using the finest porcelain available.
The fabrication process can take upwards of two weeks. Once the veneer is ready, we can schedule your second appointment. Before we permanently cement the veneer into place, we will check the margins and make sure there are no issues with your bite. We may have to trim the veneer or make minor adjustments. Once we are satisfied with the fit, we will use a special cement and curing light to permanently bond the veneer to your tooth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that fits over the entire portion of your tooth. A dental crown may be ideal for a tooth that is badly decayed or damaged. That is because crowns are durable restorations that can withstand the immense force of your bite. Crowns are often used for teeth in the posterior region of your mouth, such as the molars and premolars.
Much like a veneer, the procedure for a crown is usually broken into two appointments. During your first appointment, your tooth enamel is completely reshaped to accommodate the crown. After your tooth is reshaped, an impression is made and used to fabricate your final restoration. Again, this process can take several weeks. In the meantime, we may give you a temporary crown to protect the tooth. Once your crown is ready, we will remove the temporary and bond your permanent crown.
Schedule Your Appointment
Whether you receive a porcelain veneer or a dental crown, the goal is to have a long-lasting, aesthetically-pleasing restoration. The type of restoration you receive depends on some factors. During your consultation, we will help you make an informed decision that will improve your smile and protect your teeth! Call (425) 569-4545 to schedule your appointment today!
