Crowns and Veneers in North & South Carolina
Over recent years, cosmetic dentistry has increased in popularity and is now a familiar dental treatment around the world. This type of dentistry, which includes treatment with a dental crown, dental bridge, teeth whitening and other services, has become synonymous with confidence and radiance. Should you seek to improve the look of your smile through visiting a cosmetic dentist, North & South Carolina offices are here to serve you.
Your face is what shows your personality; what is shining through your heart and mind. Your smile is the avenue in which you project your happy feelings. When your smile is dull, it shows the signs of aging that you may not want the world to see. Many people with dull, chipped or crooked teeth will hide their smile and thus hide their warmth and personality from those they encounter. Needless to say, the stealing of confidence that comes from a yellow smile is great and lasting.
Thankfully, a cosmetic dentist in North & South Carolina can assist you with obtaining the bright, white, straight smileyou deserve!
One way to change the overall appearance of your smile is through crowns and veneers. These devices are used to restore damaged or yellowing teeth. Both crowns and veneers may be used to correct the following issues:
- Discolored teeth which are permanently stained
- Chipped or broken teeth
- Teeth with extensive damage or decay
Although both are options to achieve a more attractive smile, there are differences between crowns and veneers.
What are Crowns?
Crowns have long been used to correct the issues listed above. A crown is a “cap” that fits over the damaged tooth to restore strength and prevent further decay. A crown may also be used to hold a dental bridge in place. Crowns are available in a variety of materials, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. Some common materials used include gold alloy or other alloy materials, porcelain, and porcelain fused to metal.
Metal crowns are strong and long-lasting, however, they are best reserved for teeth that are not displayed when you smile or speak. For teeth that show up in the smile, porcelain or resin matches the color of surrounding teeth and provides a natural smile. Using a dental crown, a good deal of the damaged tooth will need to be removed. A crown will typically last from 5 to 15 years.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are also called laminates. These dental devices are a thin, custom-made covering that conceals the front and side surfaces of the damaged tooth. This option is quite popular because less tooth structure has to be removed to place a veneer. However, using a veneer instead of a crown, the tooth may still be susceptible to decay over time. Veneers may also be customized to match the color of surrounding teeth, providing for a naturally white smile.
In order to determine which option may be best for your situation, it is necessary to visit your dentist for a complete exam. From this first step, you and your dentist can work towards an effective treatment plan that will give you the smile you want to show the world.
