Age, lifestyle, and diet can affect the condition of your teeth, causing them to be brittle, dull, cracked, or misshapen. Porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers can be used to restore your smile to a healthy condition. Dr. David Hazzouri, a Scranton cosmetic dentist, is a Prosthodontist who specializes in creating the smile you want.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are placed over your front teeth to cover any defects your teeth might have. They serve an exclusively aesthetic function. The advantages of porcelain veneers include:
When are Veneers Recommended?
Veneers are recommended when your teeth are:
- Stained
- Discolored
- Worn, chipped, or broken
- Misaligned or uneven
- Irregularly shaped
- Separated by a gap
How does the Process Work?
After your dentist examines your teeth, gums, and supporting bone structure, he or she will discuss any questions you might have. If dental veneers are the appropriate solution for you, your dentist will:
- Apply an anesthetic locally to the appropriate area of your mouth
- Remove a very small amount of enamel from the front of your tooth in order to make room for the veneer
- Polish the surface of your tooth
- Bond the veneer to the affected teeth
- Shine a special hand-light on your teeth to harden the repaired surface
If you need porcelain veneers, or if yours have been damaged, Dr. David Hazzouri can help you. Just call 570.961.6030 to schedule an appointment now!
What are Porcelain Crowns?
While veneers are primarily used for aesthetic purposes, crowns are used for functional and aesthetic purposes. If your teeth are weak, cracked, or damaged, crowns provide the strength necessary to eat any food. As long as the root of your tooth is still intact, a porcelain crown can be used as a long-term solution.
When are Crowns Used?
Your dentist may use crowns to:
- Cover damaged, misshapen, or discolored teeth
- Protect and support teeth after you’ve had fillings or a root canal performed
- Cover any dental implants you might have
- Keep a bridge or other dental prosthetic in its proper place
What Types of Dental Crowns Does Dr. Hazzouri use?
Dr. Hazzouri will make the best recommendation for you after examining the structure of your teeth. He will recommend one of two different types of crowns:
- Full Porcelain. Porcelain gives your mouth an attractive look, while also functioning as a strong and stable material with high resistance to wear. Porcelain also has a high level of “biocompatibility,” which means it’s very unlikely to cause allergic reactions or discoloration in your gumline. It does not contain any metal and provides the best natural color for matching the rest of your teeth.
- Porcelain Fused to Metal. Crowns made of porcelain fused to metal offers you the benefit of a natural surface color and the strength of a metal substructure. However, they do require the removal of more tooth structure than other crown types.
How does the Process Work for Patients?
After your dentist has thoroughly examined your teeth, gums, and bone structure, he will discuss the findings with you and whether crowns are the appropriate treatment. If crowns are the best solution, you will receive a local anesthetic and the following steps will be taken depending on the type of crown used:
- Porcelain crown. CEREC® CAD/CAM technology allows your dentist to fully construct a porcelain crown in just one office visit. A Lava® treatment is used when you would like to keep the surface of the crown as translucent as possible. It does require two visits to your dentist, however. During the first visit, you are fitted with a temporary crown, while your dentist bonds the crown to your tooth during your second visit.
- Metal and porcelain-metal. If your crowns are made of metal in any way, then it will take two visits to your dentist’s office to finish the process. During the first visit, a putty-like material is used to make an impression of your teeth. You are fitted with a temporary crown to protect your teeth and gums. Before the second visit, your crown is constructed, and during your second visit, it is bonded to your tooth.
Are Porcelain Crowns Right for You?
Crowns aren’t necessarily the proper solution for every person. However, if your teeth have been affected by tooth decay, hard chewing, regular grinding, or some other sort of oral trauma, crowns are generally the best solution for you.
Porcelain crowns also last longer and provide better aesthetic appeal than composite material and are recommended as an alternative.
If you notice your teeth have experienced damage, or if you notice they are beginning to deteriorate, Dr. David Hazzouri can help you reduce the pain you are experiencing and improve the look and function of your teeth. Just use the online contact form to schedule a consultation.