More than one-third of American adults are unhappy with their smile. In fact, bad teeth ranked as the biggest dating turn-off among both men and women, and among one of the reasons why some people feel like their careers aren’t advancing.
If a smile makeover is something you’re thinking about, choosing between porcelain dental crowns or porcelain dental veneers is an important first step. Both dental treatments use durable, tooth-colored porcelain and will make your teeth look natural and bright, but they work in very different ways and are built to cover very different problems.
Read on to get a clearer picture of how each treatment works, which one makes sense for your teeth, and where to find the best cosmetic dentist in Santa Monica for flawless results.
Dental crowns and dental veneers are two dental treatments that sound similar, and they even look similar once they are in your mouth, but they solve very different problems:
Both dental veneers and dental crowns are permanent and usually made from porcelain. You can think of a veneer like a picture frame placed over the front of your tooth to improve how it looks. A crown is more like a helmet, because it wraps completely around the tooth to hold it together and protect what is left underneath. Veneers are designed to make healthy teeth with cosmetic imperfections, such as deep stains, minor chips, small gaps, and worn tooth enamel, look better. Whereas dental crowns are used to restore a tooth's strength and structure after tooth decay, large dental fillings, or root canal treatment.
The following are the top considerations when choosing which treatment is right for you:
Cost is usually one of the first things people want to know, and it is a fair concern. The price often depends on the material used, the dentist's experience, and where you live. Porcelain veneers are typically higher than crowns, however they tend to last longer, which makes them more economical in the long run. Dental insurance usually helps cover some costs of dental crowns, because they are a restorative treatment. Veneers are generally not covered by dental insurance because they are considered cosmetic.
Both treatment options are built to last, as long as you take care of them. Dental crowns can last up to 15 years or longer, while veneers typically hold up for 10 to 15 years. How you care for your crown or veneer will greatly influence how long either treatment holds up. You should:
Getting a dental crown usually only takes one to two appointments. At the first visit, the best dentist in Santa Monica numbs the area and shapes the tooth by removing a thin layer on all sides to make room for the crown. Then digital dental imaging of your tooth and mouth are used to craft a temporary crown that will protect your tooth while your permanent crown is being made in a dental lab. At the second visit, the temporary dental crown comes off, and your dentist checks the fit, color, and bite of the permanent crown before cementing it in place. Some mild soreness or tooth sensitivity around the tooth and gums is normal for a few days after each appointment, but it fades quickly for most people.
Getting dental veneers also takes two appointments. And the first visit looks very similar, with the best dentist in Santa Monica numbing the area and removing a very thin layer of tooth enamel from the front of each tooth that is getting a veneer. Just enough to make room for the veneer to sit flush and look natural.
Dental impressions or digital dental scans are then taken and sent to a dental lab, where your custom veneers are made to match the shape and color of your surrounding teeth. In the meantime, temporary veneers to protect your teeth. At the second visit, the permanent veneers are bonded in place. Similar to a crown placement, your teeth may feel a little sensitive to hot and cold for the first few days.
Choosing between a dental crown and a dental veneer is not one you should have to make on your own. At Santa Monica Dental Office, Dr. Ellie Farahmand brings an expert eye to every cosmetic and restorative treatment by considering the shape of your face, the look of neighboring teeth, and how you want your smile to look.
Ready to get a smile you’re proud to show off with help from the best dentist in Santa Monica?
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