Crown Vs. Bridge Vs. Veneer – Which Is Right For You?

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Dental crowns, veneers and bridges are all important dental tools that can be used to restore your smile. Each of these tools serves a different purpose. Knowing the difference can help you decide which type of tool is right for you. Remember that your dentist in Sugarland, TX can also recommend dental tools that help. See below, what you need to know about dental crowns, bridges and veneers.

What’s a Crown?

A crown is a cap that fits over the tooth enamel to protect it. Dental crowns are used in root canals to protect the enamel after the infected material has been removed. Dental crowns in Sugarland, TX can also be used to cover stains, injuries and misshapen teeth. If you have an implant, a crown will be placed over the implant to make it look and function more like a natural tooth. You may be a good candidate for a crown if you have a tooth that needs protection or structural reinforcement.

What’s a Bridge?

A bridge is a prosthetic tooth that replaces a missing tooth. The bridge is held in place with an attached crown that is fitted over the tooth next to the first tooth. Like crowns, bridges are made from tooth-colored material so it’s virtually impossible to tell the difference between a bridge and a natural tooth. You may be a candidate for a bridge if you’re missing a single tooth.

What’s a Veneer?

A veneer is a cover that’s placed over the front of a tooth to hide cosmetic defects. Veneers can cover stains, chips, cracks, discolorations and other problems that make your tooth not quite like the others. Veneers give the teeth a uniform appearance. Unlike crowns, which can be used to reinforce the structural integrity of the tooth, veneers are entirely cosmetic. You’re a good candidate for a veneer if you have healthy teeth with some cosmetic defects.

Find Out Which Tool Can Benefit You

Want to know more about dental crowns, bridges and veneers? Not sure which one is best for you? Make an appointment with the professionals at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. Contact us today.

Have Questions about Crowns? We Have Answers

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Do you have questions about dental crowns? You’re not alone. Dental crowns are a common dental tool that can help restore your smile. As your dentist in Sugar Land TX, we have answers to your questions about dental crowns. Here’s what you need to know about dental crown installation.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a cap that’s placed over your tooth to protect the enamel and hide cosmetic problems your tooth may have.

How is a dental crown different from a dental veneer?

A dental crown is designed to cover the entire tooth, while a dental veneer is a cover that’s placed on the front of the tooth only. A dental crown offers structural reinforcement, while a dental veneer only covers cosmetic damage.

Who is a good candidate for dental crowns?

You may be a good candidate for a dental crown if you have:

  • Severe dental decay
  • Badly eroded teeth
  • A missing tooth
  • A fractured or cracked tooth
  • Large dental fillings

What are dental crowns made from?

Dental crowns can be made from many materials, including composite resin, metal, porcelain or ceramic. Each material has advantages and disadvantages. Find out from your dentist which material works best for you.

How long do dental crowns last?

Dental crowns can last up to 15 years, but some crowns do not last this long. How long your crown lasts will depend on the material it’s made from and how well it’s maintained. Metal crowns tend to last the longest, while resin crowns have the shortest service life.

How are dental crowns maintained?

Maintain your dental crown in much the same way you would maintain a natural tooth. Brush twice daily using a non-abrasive toothpaste, and floss once daily. See your dentist twice a year for a checkup.

Do dental crowns look natural?

Dental crowns made from tooth-colored material look natural. Crowns made exclusively from metal don’t look natural. For this reason, metal crowns are usually installed on the back teeth, while tooth-colored crowns are usually found at the front.

Have more questions about dental crowns in Sugar Land TX? Call your dentist at First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry. We’d be happy to give you more information about crowns.

 

What’s the Difference Between A Crown and A Veneer?  

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Crowns and veneers are both covers for teeth, so some patients have a hard time understanding the difference between these two dental appliances. In this article, we’ll talk about what a veneer is, talk about what a crown is, and we’ll help you understand which is needed for certain dental situations.

If you think you could benefit from crowns or veneers, visit your dentist in Sugar Land TX. We’ll answer your questions and provide you with information that can help you move forward with whatever dental treatments you need.

What’s a veneer?

A veneer is a cover that’s placed on the front of your tooth. Veneers are cosmetic only, which means that they provide no structural reinforcement. Veneers are used to hide stains and cosmetic defects. Misshapen teeth, small teeth and a “gummy smile” are all the kinds of problems that you can cover up with dental veneers.

Who needs veneers?

You’re a good candidate for veneers if you have healthy teeth and gums and good oral hygiene. Once your veneer is installed, it’s especially important for you to take care of your oral hygiene to ensure that your veneers continue to look their best. If you have poor oral hygiene or health, your dentist may work with you to improve your oral hygiene before installing veneers.

What’s a crown?

A crown is a cover that’s placed over the entire tooth. Crowns can be cosmetic but are often functional. Crowns are often made from tooth-colored material (like resin), but can also be made from metal (like gold).

Who needs crowns?

You may need a crown if your tooth has been compromised (like during a root canal) or if you’re missing a tooth and need a dental implant. Your dentist can help you decide whether you need a crown and, if so, then what kind. Crowns come in many materials, and you’ll need to decide which one is right for your needs and budget.

Think you need a crown or veneer? Reach out today.

At First Dental Family & Cosmetic Dentistry, we provide cosmetic and general dentistry services in Sugar Land, TX. To get started with your dental procedure, contact us today to make an appointment with our experienced, courteous professionals.

 

Three Advantages of Same Day Crowns

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Same day crowns offer patients many advantages over traditional crowns. Both types of crowns provide a person with the ability to gain a beautiful smile free of imperfections by allowing crooked teeth, gaps, discoloration and cracks to become a thing of the past. The differences between the two cannot be overlooked, however. Same day crowns provide patients with the following advantages:

1. Eliminates Temporary Crowns

A patient that chooses a traditional crown is typically fitted with a temporary dental device while the lab is fabricating the permanent one. Because they are designed to be a temporary fix, these crowns often don’t fit a patient’s mouth just right. They can also be uncomfortable to wear, particularly if the temporary crown shifts while it’s in use.

2. Less Time

When it comes to traditional crowns, most patients must be prepared to visit their dentist at least two times. During the first visit, a mold of the mouth or the area where the crown is needed is completed. This is sent off to a lab where it’s fabricated before being shipped back to the dentist.

During the second visit, the patient is fitted with the crown, and any adjustments are made. The entire process could take a few weeks to complete.

A same-day crown is designed and created right there in the dentist office using a specialized machine. This process takes place during the patient’s visit, so there is no need to come back.

3. More Convenient

Instead of taking several weeks to complete the procedure and having to make two different trips to the dentist office, a same-day crown streamlines the process. Everything takes place on the same day and in the same office. There is no need for an individual to shift their schedule to have the smile they desire.

At First Dental Family and Cosmetic Dentistry, we’re proud to offer our patients same-day crowns. Call us today to schedule an appointment to determine if same-day crowns are a good choice for you.