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What is the difference between veneers, crowns, and implants?

Dental veneers, crowns, and implants can all improve the cosmetic appearance of the teeth. However, there are differences between them.

One difference between veneers, crowns, and implants is the area of the tooth that each option covers.

Dental veneers mainly cover the front of a tooth. By contrast, crowns cover the entire tooth, including the front, back, and all the sides. As a result, dentists use crowns to repair broken teeth, including teeth that have little structure left. Crowns can also help strengthen the teeth they cover.

Implants, meanwhile, are bolt-like structures that attach to the jawbone to replace missing teeth.

When necessary, a dentist may use an implant to secure a crown in the mouth. This may be the case if a person is missing a tooth or a tooth is irreparable because it is too badly broken down and requires removal.

Essentially, dentists use crowns to build up teeth that are badly damaged, whereas implants replace missing teeth. Veneers improve the appearance of teeth that are mostly still intact.

What happens during the dental veneer procedure? 

According to the ADA, how the dental veneer procedure goes depends on the type of veneer a person chooses.

The following sections will outline the process for each type below.

Porcelain veneers:

To fit porcelain veneers, a dentist will first remove some enamel and take an impression of the teeth to create a mold.

After this initial visit, they will send the mold to a laboratory that fabricates the custom-fit porcelain veneers. The dentist may place temporary veneers on the teeth while a person waits for the laboratory to make the permanent ones.

At the next appointment, the dentist will test whether or not the veneers fit and are a good color, and they will make any adjustments as needed. Then, the dentist will bond the veneers to the teeth.

Resin-based composite veneers:

To fit resin-based composite veneers, the dentist will start by cleaning, reshaping, and preparing the teeth. After they prepare the teeth, they will bond and sculpt the composite material, adjusting the color so that the veneers look natural in the person’s mouth.

Then, the dentist will use a light to dry and harden the composite material. Once the veneers have hardened, the dentist will smooth and polish them so that they look and feel like real teeth.

Aftercare:

After the placement of veneers, the dentist may want to check them in a follow-up appointment. During this, they will look to make sure that the veneers have stayed in place and are comfortable for the wearer.

This is a good opportunity for a person to mention if any of the veneers do not feel right, as a dentist can help fix them.

A person with new dental veneers does not need to avoid any particular foods or beverages following their appointment.

That said, because veneers may stain over time, a person may want to avoid coffee, tea, and red wine, as well as other things that can cause stained teeth, to make them last longer.

The dentist may also advise against:

1. biting hard objects.

2. biting the nails.

3. using a mouthguard.

4. grinding the teeth.

 5. chewing very hard foods.

6. opening items with the teeth.

Also, a person can still develop cavities even though they have veneers, so it is important to practice good oral hygiene, including brushing the teeth twice per day and flossing daily.

With the right care, a person can expect their veneers to last around 10 years. After this time, a person may need to replace them.

Here is an overview of the differences between each dental solution:

Dental Crowns:

Restore a damaged tooth by covering it with a porcelain cap.

For cosmetic and restorative purposes.

Dental Bridge:

Used to replace one or more missing teeth.

Can be fitted with dental crowns or implants.

For cosmetic and restorative purposes.

Dental Implant:

A fully functional tooth replacement that is embedded into the jaw.

Can be installed with a bridge to replace multiple missing teeth.

For cosmetic and restorative purposes.

Dental Veneer:

A coating used to reshape or brighten teeth that are misshapen or discolored.

Primarily used for cosmetic purposes, but can be restorative.

(08/21/2020)
by Jenna Fletcher

More Information: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/dental-veneers#vs-crowns-and-implants

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