In our cosmetic dentistry office, we offer a variety of solutions for restoring damaged teeth and transforming smiles. We believe that our patients should love their smile, and we have the tools to make sure that they do. Some of our solutions include dental veneers and dental crowns, both of which can cover dark stains, close gaps, restore damaged teeth, and make teeth look even and perfect. The results are natural and absolutely beautiful.
When trying to decide which solution is right for you, it is important to understand the differences between them and how long they last. A veneer is a thin shell that is placed on top of your natural tooth, so the tooth structure needs to be in fairly good condition. If too much of the structure has been lost, a crown is a better option because a crown is a cap that surrounds the tooth. While a veneer can improve a tooth’s appearance, a crown can strengthen and protect it in addition to improving the appearance. In other words, the more damage you have, the more likely you are to need a crown.
In order to take care of veneers and crowns, you need to brush your teeth with a soft toothbrush and floss throughout the day. You should also schedule a teeth cleaning with our cosmetic dentistry office for at least twice a year. The goal is to keep your teeth and gums in good health because if they become infected, your veneers and crowns could be in jeopardy. You should also avoid eating ice, jawbreakers, biting your nails and anything that could cause them to fall off or become chipped.
When you practice these simple steps, your veneers and crowns should stay in good condition and last for years to come. How long they last depends on you maintaining good oral hygiene along with how long they are designed to last in the first place. Veneers, for example, are made to last for five to ten years. After that time, you will probably need to replace them.
Understanding how long a crown will last is a little trickier because it depends on the type of crown that you wear. All-porcelain crowns are typically worn on front teeth because they look the most natural. They are made of the same material as veneers but surround the tooth. They typically last for at least five years, the same as a veneer would. If you have a porcelain-on-metal crown, it should last for five to ten years but during that time the porcelain may start to wear away, leaving a portion of the metal exposed. This happens most frequently around the borders of the tooth and looks like a grey shade. If you really want a long-term solution, you should consider an all-metal crown. This doesn’t look natural at all, so it is best for your back teeth. It will, however, last for fifteen years or longer.
To learn more about your options and how to help your new teeth last longer, call our cosmetic dentistry office.
