Feb. 6, 2007, Beverly Hills and Los Angeles -- Crowns and veneers both serve to cover or correct problems with teeth; but which is the better solution to creating your perfect smile. Both provide natural and long lasting results. Top cosmetic dentist Dr. Anthony Mobasser can help you choose the proper treatment. sw
As with a veneer, a crown, or dental cap, covers a tooth, restoring it to its normal shape and size. A crown also makes your tooth stronger and improves its appearance.
The difference between the two is that a crown will cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there is little tooth remaining. It can be used to attach a bridge, protect a weak tooth from breaking or restore one that's already broken.
On the other hand, the wafer-thin porcelain veneers are, in essence, a conservative crown. Also known as a "dental porcelain laminate," veneers will permanently bond to your teeth, covering discolored, chipped, misaligned or worn teeth.
Veneers also will straighten and lengthen teeth, improving both your smile and bite position. Because porcelain isn't porous, veneers won't stain and are highly resilient.
Unlike a crown, which covers the entire tooth, a veneer covers only the visible portion of the tooth. Thus, much of the natural tooth structure remains in place. However, to shape a veneer specifically to your tooth, roughly .5 mm of the original tooth structure must be removed to allow space for the new veneer.
Advantages of veneers include:
• The color, texture and translucence of veneers your veneers will be very similar to your natural tooth.
• Porcelain is an extremely durable material.
• Porcelain also resists staining and won't be susceptible to decay.
• Veneers also can effectively close gaps between your teeth, lengthen and reshape teeth.
On the other hand, to ensure adequate strength, a dental crown must have a minimal thickness. Thus Dr. Mobasser must reduce your tooth by this same amount. This guarantees it won't be oversized, once the crown is cemented into place on your tooth. In those areas where a portion of your tooth has already broken off, he may find very little tooth reduction will be required. As a part of the trimming process, Dr. Mobasser also will remove any decayed tooth material.
Trimming ensures your tooth won't be oversized once the crown is cemented into place. There may be very little tooth reduction required in areas where part of your tooth already has broken off.
The advantages of crowns are their ability to:
• repair a tooth with little remaining enamel;
• serve as a bridge attachment;
• strengthen or protect a weakened tooth from breaking;
• restore a broken tooth;
• cover discolored or badly shaped teeth
• cover a dental implant.
Both veneers and crowns require just two appointments for the entire procedure.
LEARN MORE
Call Dr. Mobasser today at 1.310.550.0383 or email us to schedule an appointment and learn more about veneers and crowns.
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