Archive for the ‘crowns’ Category

Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers

Dental crowns and veneers are both used for reconstruction and cosmetic dental work. However, there are several differences between the two treatments. These differences mean that in some cases crowns are a better choice than veneers depending upon your individual situation. In general, veneers are better for cosmetic applications while crowns are used more commonly for restorations.

Differences in the Procedures

One of the major differences between dental crowns and veneers is how they are placed on the teeth. The procedure used to place a crown is more invasive than that used to place a veneer. For this reason, many cosmetic dentists use veneers for procedures that were once accomplished with crowns.

To place a crown, the tooth must be reshaped to accommodate the crown. The dentist makes a mold of your tooth both before and after the reshaping procedure. These molds are used to make a permanent crown. While the permanent crown is manufactured, a temporary crown will protect your tooth. Crowns are placed in two visits—the first to reshape the tooth and make the molds, and the second to place the permanent crown.

By contrast, veneers require very little reshaping of the teeth. Veneers are very thin, so only a thin layer of the tooth is removed. As with crowns, temporary veneers are placed while the permanent, custom-made veneers are manufactured. These temporary veneers are then replaced with the permanent ones.

Differences in Application

Because of the invasive nature of the procedure, crowns are more often used when teeth have been severely cracked, decayed or otherwise damaged. They are also placed over a tooth that has undergone a root canal. At one time, crowns were used for cosmetic applications such as chipped, pitted, or discolored teeth. These issues are now treated more commonly with veneers.

In addition to covering chips, cracks, pits, or discoloration, veneers can be used to make your teeth look more symmetrical, close small gaps between the teeth, or even give your teeth the appearance of being straighter. These cosmetic applications make veneers one of the most versatile cosmetic dentistry treatments available. To schedule a consultation, call Dr. Gurman’s office, serving Thornton CO.

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How are dental crowns applied?

Dental crowns are permanent protective coverings for teeth that require additional strength to support normal biting and chewing. Generally fabricated from strong porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, crowns completely encircle the tooth.

Your dentist may recommend a crown if your natural tooth has fractured, if a root canal procedure has occurred, or if extensive decay has resulted in a very large filling. By surrounding and covering the tooth, crowns essentially hold the tooth together. As an added benefit, crowns can be designed to look and feel just like a natural tooth. Anatomic details such as shade and shape are added for a customized finish.

Crowns can also be useful for cosmetic purposes. The appearance of front teeth can be improved through the application of dental crowns. If you feel that you could benefit from crowns in Thornton, schedule your next dental visit as soon as possible. You will discover that crowns are simple to apply and even easier to care for.

Dental crowns are applied to the teeth with an ultra-strong adhesive designed to withstand moisture and temperature changes. The adhesive or cement is also proven to remain secure in the presence of extreme forces, generally recognized during biting and chewing.

When your dentist has prepared your natural tooth for the crown, an impression or mold is taken in order to capture the proper measurements for the new crown. The crown is typically created in a dental laboratory and approved by your dentist prior to placing the crown in the mouth. Your dentist will place the crown on the tooth to evaluate its fit and appearance. Sometimes, minor adjustments are necessary for an accurate fit, and then the crown is ready to be cemented!

Within a few minutes, the crown is permanently cemented and normal eating and drinking can be resumed. You will be instructed to brush and floss thoroughly around the crown, just as you care for your other teeth.

Dental crowns are a fantastic solution for restoring teeth when strength has been compromised. To find out how crowns can reinforce your smile, call 303-428-6367 to schedule a visit with us right away.

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Does a Crowned Tooth Require Special Care?

Dental crowns are special caps placed over teeth to help protect them or to provide cosmetic corrections. The most common uses for caps are to protect teeth that have been cracked or broken, and as the final step in a root canal procedure.

Caring for Crowns

Crowns do not require special care. However, regular dental hygiene is vital to be sure the tooth that carries the crown is kept healthy and free from decay. The crown extends slightly under the gum line, but beneath the gum line a part of the tooth is still exposed. To keep this part of the tooth clean, you must be sure to brush thoroughly and floss between the tooth that holds the crown and the adjacent teeth.

If you experience any kind of unusual symptoms in the crowned tooth, it is important to bring this to the attention of your dentist. Some indications that there might be problems with the crown include unusual sensitivity to heat or cold, discomfort during chewing, or redness or bleeding in the gums surrounding the tooth.

Uses for Crowns

Crowns are most often used to repair teeth that have been cracked or otherwise damaged. This can occur due to trauma, injury, or sometimes happens when a filling is replaced or removed. Crowns are still used for aesthetic treatments, as well, but in most cases a dentist is more likely to use porcelain veneers, since they are less invasive and easier to place.

Another use for crowns is to anchor bridges used to replace missing teeth. The replacement tooth is attached to the crown, which is placed over the adjacent tooth and holds the bridge in place.

Crowns are also used to cover a tooth that has received a root canal treatment. After the root canal procedure is complete, the tooth is modified in order to accommodate the crown. This protects the tooth and allows you to keep the tooth rather than having it removed.

If you would like additional information about crowns in the Thornton area, please call our office at 303-428-6367 to schedule a consultation.

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