Our smiles play a significant role in our lives. Our teeth and gums are essential for chewing foods and speech, but our smiles also impact our self-confidence and how people perceive us. When our teeth are damaged or discolored, we might find ourselves reluctant to show our smiles. Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry techniques, such as dental crowns and veneers, can restore your smile's beauty and health.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns, often referred to as "caps," are restorative dental appliances designed to cover the entirety of a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can improve the appearance of your teeth while restoring chewing function and strengthening and protecting a weak or damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be made from various materials, including porcelain, resin, and metal. Studies show that dental crowns can increase the longevity of a tooth and improve a patient's overall oral health.
How Can Dental Crowns in Vallejo, CA Benefit My Smile?
Dental crowns are typically recommended for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment, have significant decay, or are cracked or broken. They are also used to cover dental implants or to improve the shape, size, or color of a tooth. For those seeking dental crowns in Vallejo, CA, our dental office provides high-quality, durable crowns customized to match your natural teeth. Our crowns look so realistic that no one will ever even know they're not your natural teeth!
The Dental Crown Procedure
Dental crowns typically involve two appointments. During the first visit, your dentist prepares the tooth by removing decay and reshaping the tooth's surface to accommodate the crown. Your dentist then takes impressions of the tooth and sends them to a dental lab where a trained technician crafts your custom-made crown. While you wait for the final crown, your dentist places a temporary one to protect the prepared tooth. On your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary crown and cements the final crown in place, restoring your tooth's function and appearance.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin coverings or shells crafted from materials, like porcelain or resin composite, used to cover a tooth's front surface. Veneers in Vallejo, CA, are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly and to match their color, providing a natural, healthy-looking smile.
How Can Veneers Benefit My Smile?
Veneers are typically used to rectify cosmetic dental issues, such as discoloration, chips, minor misalignments, or to fill gaps between teeth. They are less invasive than dental crowns, as they require less removal of the natural tooth structure and only cover a tooth's front surface.
The Dental Veneer Procedure
Dental veneers generally take two appointments. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from its surface. They then take an impression of the tooth and send it to a dental lab where the veneer is custom-made. In the meantime, your dentist places a temporary veneer for protection. On your second visit, your dentist removes the temporary veneer and bonds the final custom-made one. The result is a seamless, natural-looking addition to your smile.
Key Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers
While both dental crowns and veneers can improve the aesthetics of your smile, there are significant differences between the two.
1. Tooth Coverage
Firstly, the coverage of the tooth differs. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth, whereas veneers only cover the front surface of the tooth. This makes dental crowns a more suitable option for teeth that require a high degree of repair or protection.
2. Tooth Preparation 
The amount of tooth structure that needs to be removed varies with crowns and veneers. For a dental crown to be placed, a substantial amount of tooth structure needs to be reshaped to allow the crown to fit properly. On the other hand, veneers require a minimal amount of tooth alteration (namely, the enamel), preserving most of the natural tooth.
3. The Condition of Your Teeth
While both dental crowns and veneers offer a high degree of aesthetic appeal, the choice between the two often comes down to the condition of your teeth. Teeth that are structurally sound and require minor cosmetic changes are generally better suited for veneers. In contrast, teeth that are severely damaged or decayed may benefit more from the complete coverage and protection provided by dental crowns.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
Deciding between dental crowns and veneers comes down to your specific dental needs and the advice of your dentist. If you're looking for dental crowns or veneers in Vallejo, CA, consulting with a member of our team can provide the guidance needed to make an informed decision.
Both dental crowns and veneers offer excellent solutions for enhancing your smile. However, understanding the differences between the two, the procedures involved, and the conditions they are best suited to treat is crucial. Please call our dental office to schedule your consultation with our team of Vallejo, CA dentists. We can help you make the right choice for your smile. Remember, a confident smile isn't just about beauty; it's about feeling good, too!