Thursday, August 6, 2015

Understanding Crowns, Bonding and Veneers

Dental technology is constantly advancing, and there’s never been a better time to consider permanent solutions to even the most serious issues with your teeth. If you’ve been talking with your dentist about making improvements to your health and appearance with dental repairs, here’s a short primer to help you better understand the options.


Crowns


Crowns are needed when teeth are badly damaged from decay or breakage and cannot be repaired with a filling. Crowns, sometimes referred to as caps, restore tooth function and help with your appearance. Crowns fit over an existing tooth and are normally prescribed following a root canal. Today’s crowns can be made entirely from porcelain or high-strength ceramic for beautiful, long-lasting results. Crowns take the most time to complete, but they’re the most permanent method for repairing a significant issue.


Bonding


Bonding is a simple, painless way to fix cracks, chips and gaps in teeth. Bonding can also be used to help badly discolored teeth, and can even change the shape of a tooth. During the bonding procedure, your dentist will choose the proper shade color and prepare a resin. The putty-like substance is shaped and molded to your teeth and cured with an ultraviolet light. Bonding is best for smaller cosmetic issues, and the procedure normally takes 30-60 minutes per tooth.


Veneers


Veneers are very thin pieces of porcelain or ceramic that are placed over the visible part of a tooth. They are ideal for fixing teeth that are crooked, chipped or badly stained. Veneers are most often used on front teeth, and can make a dramatic improvement in your appearance. Veneers have a longer life than bonding, but require more time to complete – usually two visits. They look especially natural – but just as with your natural teeth, any bad habits just as nail-biting or chewing on hard objects can affect their condition and appearance. Veneers require a bigger investment than bonding, but the results are well worth it.

Now that you know more about the most common procedures for repairing tooth damage, request an appointment with your dentist to discuss them in more detail. Soon, you’ll be on your way to having your most beautiful smile ever!

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