Your Introduction to Cosmetic Dentistry: Part 2

By Marzo Dental | February 27, 2017

In our previous article, we talked about two of the most common cosmetic dentistry procedures – teeth whitening and bonding. This time we will be discussing dental veneers and dental crowns.

As the cosmetic industry continues to become well-known, many more procedures are being developed. These procedures are now being applied in order to maintain a beautiful smile and relieve various oral health problems of everyone.

DENTAL VENEERS

Also known as porcelain veneers or dental porcelain laminates, veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-colored, and custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front of the teeth to improve its appearance. Veneers are indicated for discoloured teeth that might be an effect of intrinsic stains such as tetracycline stains.

This cosmetic dental procedure is also applicable for worn down, chipped or broken, misaligned or uneven, and irregularly shaped tooth. In addition, gap teeth can also be repaired using veneers.

These shells can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. However, porcelain veneers replicate the light reflecting properties of the normal teeth. It does not stain and lasts longer. These are indirect restorations fabricated in the laboratory and cemented to the teeth. While composite veneers are bonded restorations on the facial surface of the teeth which requires conservative tooth reduction and are chair side restoration that can be completed in one appointment. These are minimal in cost as well.

Veneers have a lot of advantages such as providing a natural tooth appearance and it is a conservative alternative for its minimal tooth reduction.

Moreover, veneers can last between 7 to 15 years depending on how you are taking care of it through proper oral hygiene practices.

DENTAL CROWNS

Dental crowns are the fabricated artificial tooth that cemented on the natural tooth to help restore its shape and function for severely damaged, decayed, or aesthetically compromised teeth.

Among the various types of dental crowns are the all ceramic and porcelain crowns such as E.max and Zirconia crowns.

An E.max crown is a strong and durable type of all-ceramic crown that is made of monolithic lithium disilicate ceramic. It has a translucent color that matches the natural pigment of your teeth. In addition, E.max crowns do not include any metal alloy base so there will be no visible gray line around the gum line. E.max crown is recommended to restore discolored or stained teeth, crooked teeth, chipped or cracked teeth, and decayed teeth. It can restore individual teeth and can be used for a three-unit fixed bridge.

Made from its mineral namesake zirconia (scientifically known as Zirconium dioxide, one zirconium’s oxides), a Zirconia crown is also a popular type of all-ceramic crown that is applied to improve the appearance of a stained or disfigured tooth. This is durable, easy to wear and long lasting. Plus, it is safe to use as the risk of allergic reactions with Zirconia crowns are little to none compared to porcelain fused metal crowns. Zirconia crowns are extraordinarily tough and translucent enough to be similar to natural teeth. Zirconium crowns and bridges can withstand the biting pressure of the front teeth as well as back teeth grinding. So if you are a bruxer this is the choice of crown for you.

In addition, permanent crowns can last up to lifetime if properly taken care of.

If you are in need of crowns it is best for you to consult with the experts at Marzo Dental Clinic. Visit our clinic at Unit 1607 Medical Plaza, Amorsolo cor. Dela Rosa Street, Legaspi Village, Makati City or call us at (+632) 8437125, (+632) 8866498 or (+632) 8196032. Keep smiling!

Sources: