Veneers
Veneers are a type of restoration placed on the surfaces of front teeth that change the colour and shape of the teeth. You can think of a veneer as being similar to an artificial fingernail that you can chemically bond to the tooth. Composite veneers are made out of white filling material and can be placed usually in one visit. Porcelain veneers are made out of porcelain which is a much harder material and gives a more accurate representation of natural tooth structure.
Two visits to the office are required for porcelain veneers. The first visit, we shape the teeth and take an impression so a laboratory can fabricate the veneers. At the second visit, we bond the veneers to the teeth.
Crowns
If your tooth is damaged but not lost, a crown can be used to restore its shape, appearance and function. You may need a crown if you have a root canal, a large filling in a tooth or a broken tooth.
A crown, also called a “cap”, is an artificial tooth used to cover a damaged or decayed tooth. The crown restores the tooth and protects it from further damage. Crowns can also be used to cover a discoloured or misshapen tooth. A tooth that has been fixed with a crown looks and works very much like a natural tooth.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF CROWNS
Crowns are made from various types of materials. Depending on which tooth needs a crown, your dentist will suggest a material, or combination of materials, that is right for you.
- Metal crowns are made of gold. They generally last a long time and won’t chip or break. They tend not to wear down your opposing natural teeth. However, the gold colour does not look natural, particularly on front teeth.
- Porcelain crowns look the most natural. They are more brittle than metal and may chip more easily. Because of this, they are not usually placed on back teeth.
- Zirconia crowns look like a natural tooth but are made out of a tooth coloured metal classified under the titanium family. This type of crown is milled in a machine. They are strong and can be used on both front and back teeth.
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns look natural and are stronger than porcelain. They won’t chip as easily as porcelain or ceramic crowns. However, depending on their design, the metal may show if your gums are thin or shrink.
*Cited from the Canadian Dental association website