What are dental crowns
A dental crown is a covering that protects the tooth. Your family dentist or general dentist will recommend a crown after root canal treatment has been performed or if the dental decay is too deep for a dental filling. There are different kinds of dental crowns available.
Carrollton Smiles offers porcelain dental crowns, porcelain fused to metal dental crowns, all metal dental crown, and best of all gold dental crowns. Dr. Bhandaru will determine the crown that best suits your dental needs.
Porcelain dental crowns that are made are very aesthetic and with the advent of newer materials the crowns are made very strong and resistant to breakage.
Porcelain fused to metal dental crowns have a metal inlay made of precious metals and is covered by very aesthetic porcelain. These dental crowns are recommended if the patient has deep periodontal pockets or a very heavy bite.
The longevity of these dental crowns is higher because if the porcelain breaks the tooth is still covered by the underlying metal protecting the tooth. Sometimes a metal band is placed around the gumline of the porcelain fused to metal dental crown if the patient has decay extending beyond the gumline or have excessively bleeding gums.
Metal (gold) dental crowns are an excellent choice for people who grind their teeth. These dental crowns can be made with white gold or yellow gold. Your gum tissue reacts very favorably to the gold since it is biologically inert and antibacterial material. The gold dental crowns have been around for the longest period of time and have been noted to have the highest longevity in ideal situations.
Crown maintenance
Dental crowns are very easy to take care of – the patient needs to brush and floss as they normally do. The margins of dental crowns are prone to decay or dental cavity formation if they are not kept clean. Waterpiks are helpful in keeping the margins of dental crowns clean.
What are dental veneers
Smile makeover is an amazing way to improve your smile. This procedure has various components to it. Orthodontics or dental braces, Invisalign, dental crowns, dental veneers, dental bridges, and teeth whitening are all essential components of a smile makeover.
Dental veneers are made of porcelain and are placed on teeth for an aesthetic result. The dental veneers can change the shape, color, and position of the teeth. Preparation of dental veneers is a very precise procedure and may require multiple appointments.
Difference between dental veneers and dental crowns
Dental crowns
A dental crown is recommended when a tooth is compromised to protect the tooth or as a part of a smile make over. Sometimes your dental provider will recommend a crown after a root canal treatment was performed or if the dental decay is too deep for a dental filling. The tooth is prepared to the required dimensions to receive the crown. The crowns are then cemented in place.
Crowns are also an integral part of smile makeover. They enable your general dentist to change the shape, size and color of the tooth. Crowns that are a part of a smile makeover are made of 100% dental porcelain.
Dental veneers
Veneers are made of porcelain and are placed on teeth for an aesthetic result. The dental veneers can change the shape, color, and position of the teeth. The dental veneers require minimal preparation and save a lot of the tooth structure. Dental veneers however have their limitations as to who can have them. Patients who grind their teeth, or have the habit of biting their nails, and other para-functional habits are more prone to have their veneers break.
Even though dental veneers require minimal tooth reduction, not everyone is an ideal candidate for them. Only your general or family dentist can decide if you need dental veneers or crowns as a part of the Smile makeover.
Your general dentist makes the initial model at the dental consultation appointment and analyzes it and creates a working model of the ideal smile you desire to achieve. The next appointment you will have a chance to go over the dental model with your family dentist and make changes as desired. At that appointment your teeth are minimally prepared to receive the veneers. You will receive temporary dental veneers which enables you to look at them and make changes as needed. At further appointments dental veneers are bonded in place and you have your perfect smile
Who needs dental crowns
When a tooth is compromised either due to dental cavities or dental trauma a dental crown is recommended. Dental crowns can be made aesthetic and have a lifelike appearance. Porcelain dental crowns are also used to alter the shape and size of the teeth in cases of a smile makeover.
Dental crowns restore the tooth to be functional and aesthetic. Your general dentist will determine the necessity of the crown. People with uneven teeth and crooked teeth can have the crowns and have an immediate aesthetic straight smile instead of braces.
Crowns are the best option to extend the life of a tooth. If your tooth is cracked a full coverage dental crown will increase the life of the tooth. After a root canal treatment it is very important to get your dental crown immediately to prevent reinfection. Old, large, failing silver dental fillings or composite dental fillings need to be replaced with a dental crown.
Once your dentist recommends a dental crown it is recommended to follow through with the treatment plan sooner than later to avoid further complications. Sometimes patients need root canal treatment after the crown is placed if the tooth had a prior large failing restoration for an extended period of time.
Some children with extensive decay need dental crowns. The dental crowns that kids get are usually made of stainless steel and not porcelain. It is not possible to make a porcelain dental crown on baby teeth as these teeth are very small.
Who Needs Dental Veneers?
Uneven, crooked, and discolored teeth affect the smile of an individual. Dental veneers is an easy and quick way to improve your smile. If you have discolored teeth as a result of tetracycline stains, fluoride stains, deformed or malformed teeth you may be a candidate of dental veneers.
How To Take Care Of my Porcelain Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin porcelain jackets that are adhered to the teeth. The teeth are minimally prepared so a majority of the tooth structure is saved. Periodically in some cases dental veneers do de-bond requiring to be put back on. The patient needs to take care of the dental veneers meticulously. Brushing twice a day, flossing, and using a Waterpik is highly recommended by Carrollton Smiles. Gum health is very important in the success and failure of dental veneers. A custom fabricated dental night guard made by your general or family dentist is recommended to prolong the life of your veneers.
Dental anxiety
Extensive dental procedures like crowns and smile makeovers can often cause dental anxiety. Carrollton Smiles is sympathetic to anxious dental patients and offers oral conscious sedation and Nitrous Oxide also called laughing gas.
Financing
We are very excited to offer Carrollton Smiles Dental Advantage Program for your convenience as most major dental insurances do not cover all cosmetic procedures, such as a smile makeover. As a part of this program, patients at Carrollton Smiles receive a 15% discount on all major dental services.
Call Carrollton Smiles for a consultation at (972) 245-3455 or book an online appointment at carrollton-smiles.com.
