Porcelain Crowns & Dental Veneers

Two transformative esthetic dental treatments, porcelain crowns and dental veneers, offer custom-made solutions to enhance your smile. Porcelain crowns restore damaged teeth, providing both strength and aesthetics. Dental veneers, thin shells of porcelain or composite resin, create a symmetrical and dazzling smile by masking imperfections.

Porcelain Crown

A porcelain crown is a type of dental restoration that covers and encases the entire visible portion of a damaged or decayed tooth, restoring its strength, shape, and appearance. It is custom-made to match the color and contour of your natural teeth, ensuring a seamless blend with your smile. The process of getting a porcelain crown typically involves two appointments.

During the first appointment, our skilled dentist will carefully examine your tooth to determine the extent of decay or damage. To prepare the tooth for the crown, any decayed or weakened areas are removed, and the tooth is shaped to accommodate the crown. Next, precise impressions of the prepared tooth and neighboring teeth are taken to create a custom crown that fits precisely in your mouth.

While the permanent crown is being meticulously crafted in our advanced dental laboratory, we will provide you with a temporary crown. This temporary crown serves to protect your prepared tooth and maintain its function and appearance until the final crown is ready.

At your second appointment, we will ensure that the permanent crown fits perfectly and meets your expectations. Our dentist will check the color, shape, and fit of the crown to ensure it blends seamlessly with your natural teeth. Once you are satisfied with the crown's aesthetics and functionality, our dentist will securely bond the crown to your tooth using dental cement, providing you with a durable and aesthetically pleasing result.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells typically made from porcelain or composite resin. They are designed to cover the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can address a range of cosmetic issues, including discoloration, chipped or slightly misaligned teeth, gaps, and worn down enamel. The process of getting dental veneers is also usually completed in two appointments.

During the initial appointment, our dentist will discuss your cosmetic goals and assess the condition of your teeth to determine if veneers are the right solution for you. Once we decide to proceed with veneers, a small amount of enamel is gently removed from the front surface of the teeth to create space for the veneers. This ensures that the veneers will fit comfortably and appear natural.

Next, detailed impressions of your teeth are taken to fabricate the custom veneers in our dental laboratory. While your permanent veneers are being crafted, we may provide you with temporary veneers to protect your teeth and maintain your smile's appearance.

At your second appointment, our dentist will carefully place the permanent veneers onto your teeth. We will check the fit, shape, and color of the veneers and make any necessary adjustments to achieve the desired result. Once you are satisfied with the look and feel of the veneers, they are securely bonded to the front surface of your teeth, providing you with a beautiful and radiant smile.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Porcelain crowns and veneers are dental restorations used to improve the appearance, function, and strength of teeth. They are popular cosmetic solutions for various dental issues, such as:

    Porcelain Crowns: Crowns are tooth-shaped caps that encase the entire visible portion of a damaged or weakened tooth. They are used to restore severely decayed or fractured teeth, protect weakened teeth from further damage, and improve the appearance of misshapen or discolored teeth.

    Porcelain Veneers: Veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are custom-made to fit over the front surface of teeth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of teeth with permanent stains, minor chips, gaps, or slight misalignments.

  • The number of dental appointments required for crowns or veneers depends on the individual case and the treatment plan established by your dentist. Typically, two appointments are needed for both crowns and veneers. During the first visit, your dentist will prepare the tooth, take impressions, and place a temporary restoration. In the second visit, the permanent crown or veneer is bonded to your tooth.

  • Porcelain crowns and veneers are highly resistant to stains compared to natural tooth enamel. Porcelain is non-porous, which means it does not absorb stains from foods, beverages, or tobacco. However, it is essential to maintain good oral hygiene and avoid excessive consumption of stain-causing substances to keep your crowns or veneers looking their best over time.

  • Crowns and veneers do not require special care, but they should be treated like natural teeth with regular brushing, flossing, and routine dental check-ups. Avoid using your teeth to open packages or bite hard objects, as this can damage the restorations. Additionally, wearing a mouthguard during sports or teeth-grinding activities can protect your restorations from potential damage.

  • The process of getting crowns or veneers is usually not painful. Your dentist will use local anesthesia during the preparation phase to ensure your comfort. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity or discomfort after the procedure, but this is typically temporary and can be managed with over-the-counter pain medications.

  • Yes, a tooth with a cavity can be restored with a crown or veneer. However, the tooth must first undergo treatment for the cavity, such as a dental filling or root canal therapy, before the crown or veneer is placed. Crowns and veneers are not suitable for teeth with extensive decay or inadequate structure.

  • With proper care and maintenance, porcelain crowns and veneers can last for many years, often a decade or more. Regular dental check-ups, good oral hygiene practices, and avoiding habits that may damage the restorations can help prolong their lifespan.

  • Yes, you can work with your dentist to select the color and shape of your crown or veneer. Your dentist will take into account your preferences, facial features, and the natural shade of your surrounding teeth to create a restoration that blends seamlessly with your smile.

  • While crowns and veneers are generally safe and well-tolerated, some potential risks may include tooth sensitivity or damage to the underlying tooth during the preparation process. However, such complications are infrequent and can often be managed by your dentist. 3. The main risk is having high sensitivity, (if the sensitivity persists, a root canal might be required).

    Aditionally, wearing a mouthguard during the night is one of the recommendations after having veneers to avoid potential damage.

  • Before placing a crown or veneer, it is essential to have healthy gums and a stable oral environment. If you have gum disease, it will need to be treated and resolved before proceeding with the restorations. Gum health is crucial for the long-term success of crowns and veneers, as a stable foundation is necessary for optimal results. Your dentist will evaluate your oral health and address any gum disease concerns before recommending crown or veneer treatment.

At Alta Dentistry, we understand the impact of a beautiful smile on our patients' lives. Our team of experts is dedicated to providing exceptional care and crafting personalized treatment plans to help you achieve the smile you desire. Experience the transformative power of porcelain crowns and dental veneers, as we embark on this journey towards your radiant and captivating smile.