Porcelain, Composite Resin Or Crowns: Which Is Best For You?

Modern cosmetics dentistry offers many options for patients suffering with cosmetic dental issues like permanent stains, chips, gaps and broken teeth. An experienced cosmetic dental professional can provide you with a brighter, healthier smile through the application of crowns, porcelain or composite resin veneers. Learn more about which procedure is best for your teeth and the reasons why.

Tooth Discoloration And Minor Chipping

Some discoloration on your teeth may be impossible to remove through traditional measures like bleaching and whitening. Your teeth can have resistant discoloration while also being in good health and sturdy, meaning extractions or implants are not necessary. For these kinds of issues, many patients choose composite resin veneers. Resistant tooth discoloration can be caused by:

• Drinking coffee, soda and tea regularly, usually every day.
• Some antibiotics can cause irreversible tooth discoloration. This type of staining generally occurs when given to children during the development of their adult teeth.
• Smoking and other types of tobacco use can cause severe, permanent staining.
• Aging can cause your teeth to become more discolored.
• Poor dental care causes discoloration and leads to diseases like gingivitis, a leading cause of tooth discoloration and tooth loss.

Gaps And Crooked Teeth

While composite resin veneers work great for cosmetic alignment of crooked teeth, many patients and their dentists choose porcelain veneers instead. Dental procedures for filling in gaps between teeth are also popular uses for porcelain veneers. Porcelain is generally chosen because it is more durable and is virtually maintenance free. Porcelain veneers can be more expensive, but worth it in the long term. In cases of severe discoloration and misalignment combined, porcelain is the best choice. Porcelain can be applied in one visit like a cap is applied.

When Crowns Are Your Best Option

Crowns are different from porcelain and composite veneers because they cover the entire surface of the tooth. Veneers only cover the front and biting surfaces of teeth. Crowns are the best choice if your teeth are damaged by decay or have been broken due to traumatic injury. Many dentists use crowns for covering implants as well. Crowns can be applied in one or two visits, depending on the damage your teeth are suffering, and usually last a long time with proper dental care. Most crowns are made out of porcelain that is long lasting and are resistant to some damage caused by crunching hard foods.

Your teeth can have a great impact on your emotional and physical health. Caring for your teeth can prevent low self-esteem while also helping to prevent poor overall health and conditions like heart and kidney disease. Learn more about how you can reach optimum oral health by visiting your dentist like Dr. Paul Goodman and always take care to schedule regular visits for cleaning and other preventative care treatments.