A family dentist can help you understand the difference between dental crowns and veneers at your annual comprehensive dental exam. They are both restorative dental services that improve both how your teeth look and function. The main difference is that a veneer covers the front of a tooth while a crown restores a tooth. When you want to repair your smile, schedule an appointment at Eriks Dental Group with Dr. Ty Eriks, DMD, at his Boynton Beach dental office.
What are Veneers?
Dental veneers are a permanent way to correct imperfections on your smile. They can correct the color, shape, size, width, and even gaps. These tooth coverings are made of porcelain or composite resin and are extremely thin, making them undetectable. While they are great at improving the smile, they usually aren’t covered by insurance as they are considered elective and not medically necessary while dental crowns are generally necessary for optimal oral health.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are caps or coverings that cover the visible part of your tooth. It is cemented onto your tooth, which restores its function and appearance. There are three types of dental crowns:
- Porcelain: Made completely of porcelain, it is natural-looking.
- Porcelain fused to metal: This dental crown is made with metal inside and porcelain outside, which gives it the strength it needs without compromising its exterior look.
- Gold: While a strong option, it is rarely used anymore as our patients like a more discreet restoration.
The Dental Crown Process
First, Dr. Eriks will take x-rays and examine the tooth and surrounding teeth to ensure that you have enough bone to hold it in place. If there is excessive tooth decay, we will recommend you have a root canal. For your dental crown to fit properly, your tooth will be filed down. Next, we will take an impression of your tooth. The mold is sent to a dental lab where it is made. While it’s being made, you will have a temporary crown cemented in place with temporary cement.
During your second visit to Eriks Dental Group, the temporary crown is removed and your permanent one put in place. Your bite is checked and adjusted if your crown is placed too high. Once satisfied with how it looks and feels, it is cemented into place.
What Are Some Reasons You May Need A Crown?
Some reasons that Dr. Eriks suggests dental crowns to his patients, include:
- A filling breaks
- A chipped tooth in a noticeable area
- A large cavity that leaves little to no tooth
- A misshaped tooth
During a comprehensive dental exam, we can determine if you need a dental crown in Boynton Beach.
Tips For Caring for Dental Crowns
After getting a dental crown, these tips will help make it easier for you to care for your dental crown, including:
- Never use your teeth as a tool as it can lead to chips or cracks.
- Avoid eating sticky, tough, or hard foods, which can damage your dental crown.
- Brush at least twice a day and floss daily.
- Use an anti-cavity mouthwash to remove harmful bacteria from the mouth that can cause tooth decay.
- Get a custom night guard as it helps those who grind their teeth from damaging them and any dental restorations they have.
- Schedule an annual dental exam at Eriks Dental Groups with Dr. Eriks to detect any dental problems.
- Have biannual dental cleanings to keep tooth decay and gum disease away.
Learn If Dental Crowns or Veneers Will Help Your Smile Goals
At Eriks Dental Group, we are committed to offering a personalized dental experience for patients of all ages in Boynton Beach, FL. We believe that when your teeth and gums are healthy, your overall health is at its best. During an annual exam or biannual cleaning, we can discuss the differences between dental crowns or veneers, and which would benefit your oral health best. To schedule an appointment today, call our dental office at 561-733-4004.