Porcelain Crown vs. Veneers: Which Is Right For Me?
Dental damage and cosmetic imperfections compromise the strength, health, or appearance of the smile. Whether a single tooth or multiple teeth have flaws, there are dental treatments to restore the smile. However, people are often unsure which dental treatment is best suited to their unique needs.
Two dental treatments that are commonly considered for oral imperfections are dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Dental crowns fit over the teeth like caps and veneers cover the front of the teeth to conceal flaws. Dr. Danny O’Keefe works with patients in the Flowood, MS, area to help them consider porcelain crowns vs. veneers, and determine which will best meet their unique dental needs.
Porcelain Crown Applications
Porcelain crowns are primarily considered a restorative dentistry treatment. These restorations completely enclose the crown of a tooth to restore it and protect it after it has been damaged by injury or dental complications. Dental crowns are typically used to treat the following conditions:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Deep chips, cracks, or fractures
- Acid erosion
- Weakened tooth enamel
- Root canal infection
Porcelain Crown Treatment
Porcelain crown treatment generally takes place over two dental appointments. At the first appointment Dr. O’Keefe reshapes the affected tooth to remove any damaged or decayed enamel. Once the appropriate alterations have been made, dental molds are taken. These molds are used to fabricate the dental crown and ensure a close and comfortable fit. Molds are sent to our dental laboratory along with design specifications, including details on its size, shape, and color. Before leaving our office, a temporary crown will be placed to protect the natural tooth, which is vulnerable to sensitivity and infection after being reshaped.
When the permanent crown is complete, patients return to our Flowood practice to complete treatment. Dr. O’Keefe tests the fit of the crown before bonding it in place with a tooth-colored dental compound. The bonding material is hardened so that it acts like a cement to hold the crown in place.
Porcelain Veneer Applications
Porcelain veneers are thin ceramic shells that are custom-made to fit over the front of the teeth. Veneers can hide cosmetic blemishes and imperfections that detract from the beauty of the smile. Porcelain veneers can treat multiple teeth at once and they are able to address a wide range of aesthetic flaws, including:
- Discoloration
- Dental stains
- Minor chips, cracks, or fractures
- Gapped teeth
- Minor misalignment issues
- Missized or misshapen teeth
Porcelain Veneers Treatment
As with porcelain crown treatment, a porcelain veneer procedure generally requires two dental appointments. At the first appointment, Dr. O’Keefe prepares the teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel. Veneers are usually less than .5mm thick, so the teeth do not require dramatic alteration. Once they have been reshaped, molds are taken. Molds are sent to our dental laboratory, along with a design plan that specifies the size, shape, and color of the veneers.
At the second and final dental appointment, the permanent veneers are bonded to the facial surface of the teeth. As with a porcelain crown, Dr. O’Keefe tests the fit of the veneers before using a tooth-colored compound to cement them in place.
Contact Us
Porcelain crowns and veneers allow our Flowood patients to correct imperfections and dental complications to restore a healthy and beautiful smile. If you would like to learn more about these dental procedures and which may be right for you, send us a message online or call (601) 936-2526 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Danny O’Keefe.
