What is the Difference Between Crowns, Fillings, and Veneers?
Dental terminologies can often get confusing and create a sense of dis-attachment between patients and doctors. Various dental problems require different solutions, and in this blog, we will talk about the difference between some of the most commonly done dental treatments: Crowns, fillings, and veneers. Read ahead as we elaborate on the differences between each and where it may be prescribed.
DENTAL FILLINGS
Dental fillings are used to restore the shape, size, and function of a tooth after the removal of dental cavities. When a tooth is affected by dental decay, a pit or depression is formed. The infected part is removed to prevent further progression, and then the missing tooth structure is replaced with the help of dental filling materials. Presently, the most commonly used dental filling material is dental composite resins. Composite resins can be manipulated to match your natural tooth shade, ensuring superior aesthetics and restoration of proper function. Dental fillings in Huntsville, Alabama, are reserved for cases where the damage is not as extensive, and the mounds of the tooth structure are still unaffected.
DENTAL CROWNS
Human teeth can be broadly divided into two-part, the crown and the root. The tooth’s crown portion is seen in the mouth, while the root portion anchors the tooth to the jawbone. A dental crown, colloquially known as a tooth cap, is a covering that fits on the top part of your natural teeth.
In Huntsville, Alabama, dental crowns are most often prescribed to restore the shape, size, strength, and function of a damaged and vulnerable tooth. Extensive dental cavities involving significant tooth structure make the tooth weak and incapable of performing its intended function. In such cases, the decayed part is removed, and a dental crown is custom made, which ensures restoration of strength and functions like chewing.
Dental crowns are also given post root canal treatment. It can be used as part of a dental bridge to replace missing teeth and over dental implants. It is also used to cover and protect broken and chipped teeth.
Dental crowns are durable and can last for 15-20 years with proper maintenance and oral hygiene. Dental crowns can be made from metal, resin, or porcelain. Porcelain can be manipulated to match the natural tooth shade and ensure better aesthetic results as it seamlessly blends with the remaining natural teeth.
VENEERS
Dental veneers are exclusively used for cosmetic purposes, unlike dental fillings and crowns. Dental veneers are wafer-thin, tooth-colored shells that are placed on the front surface of the teeth. Dental veneers offer a conservative and superior approach to covering flawed teeth. This treatment modality can be used to cover excessively stained and discolored teeth, cracked teeth, and chipped teeth. Dental veneers also restore the shape and size of mishapen and crooked teeth. Moreover, they can also be used to conceal small gaps between front teeth.
Dental veneers are versatile and elegantly solve multiple cosmetic dental concerns, which has been a huge reason for their massive popularity.
Dental veneers can be manufactured from resin or porcelain and made to match the natural tooth shade. Dental Veneer treatment at Valley Wide Dental in Huntsville, Alabama, can last up to a decade or even more with proper maintenance.
If you have any questions or want to know more about our services, please reach out to us. Our team of friendly dental professionals in Huntsville, Alabama, will always be here to assist you in your journey to better oral health.
