Introduction

In the course of a normal day, many accidents could happen: a child could fall and break a tooth, a teenager could get into a fight and risk his smile, or you could drink your coffee without noticing how it would transform your beautiful white smile into a more brownish hue. All this is naturally followed by a visit to the dentist, to ask for the best solution to your problem.

Fortunately, these problems could be solved by a cosmetic procedure, such as veneers and crowns. Veneers and crowns are dental restoration methods that are generally used to create a more beautiful and perfect smile. Veneers and crowns may seem similar, but they are two different procedures, have different uses, materials, advantages and disadvantages, and much more to know. Keep reading this blog to learn more.

What are veneers?

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored material used to cover the front surface of the teeth. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth to change their color, size, length and overall appearance.

Veneers can be made from porcelain or swollen composite materials, porcelain veneers are more similar to natural teeth with their light-reflecting properties, they are also considered better than stain-resistant lifted composites. There are many problems that could be solved by applying veneers, such as:

• Discolored teeth.
• Chipped or broken teeth.
• Irregularly shaped teeth.
• Spaces between teeth.
• Worn teeth.

How Many Dental Appointments Do You Need To Get Veneers?

Getting veneers usually takes three dental appointments as follows:

The first appointment

You'll tell the dentist about your problem and your goals, then the dentist will examine your teeth to see if veneers are the right solution for you, discuss the procedure and the dentist may request an X-ray if necessary.

The second appointment

Your dentist will prepare the surface of your teeth by reshaping your teeth, after which the dentist will make a model of your teeth and send it to the dental laboratory, which will make your veneers.

The third appointment

Your dentist will examine how the veneer will fit before cementing it to your teeth, after which your teeth will be cleaned, polished and etched to allow the veneer to be firmly attached to your teeth. The final step is to remove any excess cement and check your bite to make sure nothing needs adjusting.

What Are Crowns?

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over the entire tooth to restore its size, shape, strength and appearance. When crowns are cemented, they cover the entire visible surface of the tooth. Crowns can be made from many different materials, such as stainless steel, metals, porcelain-fused-to-metal, all-resin, all-ceramic and all-porcelain. Crowns can be used in many situations, such as :

• Protect a weak tooth or maintain a cracked section.
• Restoration of a broken tooth.
• Restoration of badly worn teeth.
• Cover and support the teeth with a large filling, in case there's little left of the natural tooth.
• Holding a dental bridge in place.
• Cover deformed or severely discoloured teeth.
• Covering a dental implant.
• Make a cosmetic modification.

How Many Dental Appointments Do You Need To Get Crowns?

The crown procedure generally requires two appointments with the dentist, as follows:

The first appointment

Your dentist will order x-rays and examine your teeth to make sure nothing needs repair, after which your dentist will reshape your teeth and make an impression of the teeth to receive the crowns. The impressions will be sent to the dental laboratory where the crowns will be made.

The second appointment

Your dentist will remove the temporary crowns and check the size and color of the new crowns, after which your dentist will numb the teeth and the permanent crowns will be cemented in place.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of veneers?

Veneers

• Veneers may be more aesthetically pleasing than crowns.
• Veneers generally don't need much trimming, so more of your natural teeth will remain.
• Teeth with veneers have minimal movement.

Backfilling

• Veneers leave more natural teeth exposed.
• Composite veneers only last 5 to 7 years, so they may need to be replaced.
• Veneers are not reversible.

What are the advantages and disadvantages of crowns?

Crowns

• All teeth are covered, so your teeth are better protected.
• Porcelain crowns look like natural teeth.
• The crowns are permanent.

Disadvantages of crowns

• More of your natural teeth are removed, making it possible to place crowns.
• Crown teeth can be more sensitive to heat and cold, so you may experience gum pain.
• Porcelain is fragile, which means it can be damaged over time.
• Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns feature a thin, dark line between the natural teeth and the crown.

What are Onlays and 3\4 Crowns?

Onlays, or partial dental crowns, are a new generation of crown procedures that partially cover the tooth. 3\4 crowns cover 75% of the tooth surface. These types of crowns are made from the same materials as traditional crowns. Onlays and 3\4 crowns are generally used when your teeth are healthy, sufficiently firm and solid, and their best advantage is that a small amount of trimming is required, so more of your natural teeth remain.

There are other types of partial crowns, such as seven-eighths crowns which cover most of the entire tooth surface, half-crowns which are similar to three-quarter crowns, but the distal tooth wall is preserved, and conservative crowns which cover the outer surface of the tooth and are generally used for aesthetic purposes such as giving lighter shades to heavily stained teeth and covering the spaces between teeth.

What questions should you ask your dentist?

There are certain questions you need to know his answers about veneers and crowns, and only your dentist can provide you with good and correct answers, these answers may differ depending on your case and the requirements of your condition, and your financial situation. Here are some questions to ask your dentist before undergoing veneers and crowns procedures:

1. Are there other options to consider?
2. How long can I expect veneers and crowns to last?
3. Do I need to wear a mouthguard?
4. Should I be concerned about my body's reaction to the material?
5. Do you recommend any special care for veneers or crowns?
6. If you are a smoker, you should ask your dentist if he or she has any recommendations concerning smoking?
7. If you suffer from chronic diseases, you should ask your dentist if this procedure would interfere with your illness?
8. Will I need medication?
9. How long before I can brush my teeth?
10. How long before I can floss?
11. How much would this procedure cost?
12. Is it covered by medical insurance?
13. What are the normal and abnormal symptoms during the healing process?

Conclusion

Veneers and crowns can improve your smile and solve certain problems, but what you need to consider is that both procedures are expensive and the differences between veneers and crowns. We recommend that you explore your options and think things through before embarking on such a procedure, and you can always ask your dentist for more information about your situation.

A beautiful smile could improve your self-image, your general appearance and your oral health, but a lot of questions could be raised here. So think about veneers and crowns, if you think that's the solution for you, but above all stay happy and healthy.