A crown, or cap, is a tooth-like shell bonded over a carefully prepared existing tooth. Used to strengthen, restore or improve the appearance of your natural tooth. A crown is usually required when a tooth has been extensively weakened or restored, or when a tooth is cracked or broken. Crowns are usually placed on teeth where there is no longer sufficient tooth structure to support a filling.
Conventional crowns are made of porcelain, fused to a metal substructure. The latest advances in cosmetic dental materials have been made in the development of metal-free, ceramic crowns. The absence of metal allows for the construction of highly aesthetic, translucent crowns that imitate the characteristics of a natural tooth perfectly.
Porcelain crowns are made to match the shape, size, and colour or your teeth giving you a natural, long-lasting beautiful smile.
Reasons for crowns:
- Broken or fractured teeth.
- Cosmetic enhancement.
- Decayed teeth.
- Fractured fillings.
- Large fillings.
- Tooth has a root canal.
A crown procedure usually requires two appointments. Well-constructed and accurately fitting crowns can last several years (10-15 years).
Veneers
Veneers are very thin, tooth shaped porcelain that are custom made (for shape and colour) by a professional dental laboratory. They are bonded onto the front of teeth to create a beautiful and attractive smile.
Veneers can completely reshape your teeth and smile. They can often be alternatives to crowns and the ideal solution in treating many dental conditions.
As with most dental restorations, veneers are not permanent and may someday need replacement. They are very durable and will last many years, giving you a beautiful long-lasting smile.
Reasons for porcelain veneers:
- Cosmetically, to create a uniform, white, beautiful smile
- Crooked teeth
- Misshapen teeth
- Severely discoloured or stained teeth
- Teeth that are too small or large
- Unwanted or uneven spaces
- Worn or chipped teeth
