Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are both crucial tools that a dentist has. But what is each method used for? They occasionally are used for the same thing, and other times can have very different uses. Dr. Ami Barakat of Villanova Dental Studio discusses the features of dental crowns and porcelain veneers in Ottawa, ON.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a custom-made restorative solution that goes over your entire tooth. To make room for the crown, your tooth is shaved down and prepared for the crown. Impressions are taken so that our CEREC dental technology can get a crown made for you in the same visit. Crowns are made from high-quality dental ceramic that’s color-matched to blend in seamlessly with your smile.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are also custom-made to fit your teeth. However, a veneer only covers the front and sides of your teeth with their thin shell, not the entire thing. Like dental crowns, they’re made of high-quality dental ceramic that’s made to match the shade you specify. A small amount of tooth structure is removed and impressions are taken to get perfect veneers that feel and look natural.

The Uses of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are extremely useful as they can take care of both cosmetic and restorative dental problems. One of their most notable uses is as the final restoration for dental implants. They’re able to provide a solution that both looks and feels as natural as possible. With a dental implant that’s topped with a crown, people won’t even be able to tell it’s a restoration!

This solution is also used for many other problems. Some teeth discoloration isn’t able to be solved with traditional whitening techniques. Misshapen teeth can also cause problems aesthetically with your smile, as well as cause trouble for you to bite or chew food. Dental crowns can both give you back the confidence of a white, even smile, and give you full functionality back to your tooth.

Crowns are used to treat broken teeth or to stabilize a tooth that’s had a root canal. If the teeth are cracked or broken, a crown can give back full functionality, as well as prevent bacteria from getting into the pulp of the tooth. Root canals take out the infected dental pulp. Though it’s filled with a biocompatible material, a dental crown ensures the tooth is usable and helps to seal it off from further infection.

About Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers have more cosmetic uses than they do restorative ones. One of the most common is to get a whiter smile. They’re one of the top alternatives if traditional teeth whitening can’t meet your needs. Veneers can also be used to cover misshapen or crooked teeth that are cosmetic and aren’t impacting the health of your smile.

One of the more unique uses for porcelain veneers is to treat gaps in the teeth. Veneers can be custom-made and shaped to look like a natural smile while covering up gaps that may make you self-conscious. Veneers are also great to cover teeth that are chipped, broken, and cracked, or have wear and tear from time.

Getting Ottawa, Ontario Porcelain Veneers and Dental Crowns

One of these options may be the perfect solution to your dental problems. Call us or schedule an appointment online today.