Dental Crowns and Veneers
When do I need a Dental Crown?
When do you need a dental crown? Life happens and your teeth are no exception to the wear and tear that affects our bodies. Over time, our teeth are subject to the activities of daily life that can eventually lead to problems. These problems can lead to a smile that you may be less than proud of. Or these problems can lead to painful and unhealthy conditions that can dramatically affect your daily life. When these conditions exist, dental crowns can be a permanent solution that will “fix” a variety of problems. Crowns are one of the most frequently preformed dental procedures and can significantly extend the life of the tooth.
What is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a “tooth shaped cap” that is applied to the top of tooth. It completely encircles the tooth, then it is bonded to the tooth with cement. Crowns are a permanent solution to many dental problems and will restore the original look and function of the tooth. For a natural look, crowns are typically made from porcelain, ceramic, or zirconia, but can also can be made from gold or other metal alloys.
Reasons Why you Might Need a Dental Crown
Tooth decay and aggressive chewing or grinding can significantly weaken our teeth. When these things occur, several things can happen that result in the need for dental crowns. Some of the conditions that result in the need for crowns are:
- Tooth decay leading to large cavities
Tooth decay can weaken teeth and lead to cavities. When a cavity becomes too large to fill then the remaining tooth is too weak for normal daily use. A crown will strengthen the tooth and prevent further decay.
- Cracked or Chipped teeth
Deep cracks can occur from chewing on anything hard. Dental crowns can strengthen the tooth and prevent a crack from widening further or leading to the root of the tooth. Similarly, a chipped tooth can be covered with the crown restoring an aesthetic appearance and preventing decay.
- Root Canals
A root canal may be necessary when the inside of the tooth becomes infected due to tooth decay, cracks, or nerve damage. The inside of the root is replaced with a sealant, and a crown is usually needed to provide strength to the remaining tooth and to restore aesthetics.
- Restore an aesthetically pleasing smile
Teeth that changed in appearance due to chips, or gaps that diminish a smile can be restored by applying crowns.
- Dental Implants or Bridges
Dental implants are devices that permanently replace the root of the tooth. To complete the task of replacing a tooth with an implant, a crown must be applied. Similarly, a missing tooth can be replaced by applying a “bridge” affixed between two crowns.
What are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers, typically made from porcelain, are a thin cover or shell that fits over your existing teeth. The veneer is custom formed to fit the contour of the existing tooth and is permanently attached to the tooth enamel. Local anesthesia is usually not required unless the patient has severe sensitivity issues. Once applied, the veneers are cared for just as you care for natural teeth, including regular brushing and flossing.
When should you consider Dental Veneers?
Veneers are many times a good alternative to crowns where the tooth is largely intact, but with flaws. Some instances where you should consider veneers include:
- When you have gaps between that need to be narrowed or filled
- When the tooth is chipped or broken yet the root of the tooth is healthy
- When the tooth is excessively worn
- When the tooth has an irregular shape, is uneven, or is misaligned
- When the tooth is discolored and one of the above conditions exists (if teeth whitening only is needed, then Zoom Teeth Whitening is a better and less expensive option).
Knowing when dental Crowns or veneers are the right options takes careful consideration. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Dana Price to learn all the options so you can make an informed decision that is best for you and your smile.