Creating A Perfect Smile Creating A Perfect Smile

Thanks to recent advancements in cosmetic dentistry, just about anyone can get the smile they've always wanted. Two of the most common cosmetic procedures are veneers and dental crowns. If you don't have a perfect smile or your dentist has mentioned dental crowns or veneers, check out these four benefits to consider.

1. They Can Hide Chips and Cracks 

Both dental crowns and porcelain veneers create a new surface for your teeth. Veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth, but dental crowns cover all exterior surfaces. This makes them a perfect mask to hide chips and cracks in your teeth. If you have chips or cracks on your front teeth, your dentist will recommend veneers or all-porcelain dental crowns because they are less durable but don't have any unsightly metal. Back teeth need something more durable, so your dentist will suggest metal or porcelain-fused-to-metal dental crowns.

2. They Are Perfect for Discolored Teeth

Tooth whitening is another popular cosmetic procedure, but it doesn't work on every stain. If you have stains from tobacco, food, drink or just aging, tooth bleaching is likely a good option. However, some stains can't be corrected with tooth whitening. These tend to include discoloration from trauma, too much fluoride during adolescence, etc. Just like the crowns and veneers hide your cracks and stains, they will also hide discolored teeth by creating a new, beautiful surface.

3. They May Be a Replacement for Braces

If you have crooked or gapped teeth, you may be considering braces, and braces are the best way to correct crooked teeth. However, in some cases, dental crowns and veneers can be an alternative. If you only have crooked front teeth and you want nearly flawless front teeth, veneers may be a better solution. You won't have to worry about metal, but the veneers will make your teeth look straight, white and almost perfect. If you have unhealthy, weak teeth, getting porcelain crowns may be a better choice than braces. In fact, your teeth may be too weak for braces.

4. Crowns Strengthen Teeth

If your teeth are healthy and strong, your dentist may recommend veneers because they correct the front teeth, which are more often seen. However, if your teeth are weak from heavy decay or big fillings, veneers may cause more problems because they don't strengthen teeth. Dental crowns, however, do strengthen teeth because they give the tooth an entirely new surface. This allows for even distribution of pressure.

Just because you don't have the smile you want, it doesn't mean you can't achieve it. Thanks to cosmetic dentistry, many people are getting the smile they want and regaining their confidence. If you would like more information about dental crowns or porcelain veneers, contact a cosmetic dentist in your area today.