If you’re looking to improve the appearance of, or have suffered trauma to, one or more of your teeth, dental crowns provide a great way to regain the strength and natural beauty of your teeth.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a cap placed over a tooth. Full crowns cover all visible portions of the tooth, right down to the gum line, and are the most often used. There are variations—onlays and ¾ crowns—that cover less of the tooth but still provide support. Crowns are commonly crafted with porcelain, resin, metal, and/or gold.

Why would I need dental crowns?

Dental crowns provide a way to restore the integrity of teeth that are cracked or decayed, and in cases where a filling is so large that not much of the original tooth structure remains. They’re also used cosmetically to improve the appearance of teeth that are severely discolored or misshapen.

How long do crowns last?

The life span of your dental crowns is greatly affected by your oral habits. Activities such as biting your nails, eating ice, grinding your teeth, and using your teeth to open food packaging increase the wear and tear, and have a definite negative impact on your crowns. Practicing good dental hygiene is also very important. In general, you can expect them to last anywhere from five to fifteen years.

What is involved in placing dental crowns?

The actual procedure will vary somewhat depending upon the reason for the crown, and the type of crown used. Dr. Andres will perform a full workup to assess your overall oral health, and determine if dental crowns will be your ideal solution. he will likely order x-rays as well and test the integrity of the tooth structure to determine if other procedures are necessary before the crown can be placed.

Next, the tooth will either be filed down or built up, depending on the problem at hand. Your tooth will be filed down to create room for the crown to fit around it. If the tooth is decayed or otherwise damaged to the point where there isn’t much left to work with, Dr. Andres will build up the tooth with filling material to create a base for the crown.

Once the reshaping is complete, impressions will be made and sent to a lab to be used in the creation of your crown(s). Finally, the crown will be placed and cemented.

Is the process painful?

No. Local anesthesia is used during the resurfacing session to alleviate any pain.

Do crowns require any special care?

No, just continue to practice good oral hygiene. Brush your teeth at least twice daily, and floss at least once daily. When flossing, pay close attention to the crowned tooth, making certain to floss at the base where the crown meets the gum.

If you are unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, veneers may be a good option for you. This form of cosmetic dentistry helps to improve the appearance of teeth that are chipped, misaligned, generally worn and discolored.

There are many advantages to veneers over other methods of cosmetic dentistry. If you are considering getting veneers to improve the appearance of your teeth, here are a few of the most commonly asked questions about the procedure, which may help you in your decision.

What exactly are veneers?

Veneers are porcelain shells that are placed on the front of your teeth, and bonded into place to help improve their appearance. The veneers are extremely thin, so they do not do add to the size of your teeth, however they are incredibly strong and durable.

How are the veneers put in place?

During your initial visit, Dr. Andres will prepare the tooth, so that they can get an impression to mold the veneer. He will have to trim the enamel that is on the front of the tooth. The amount of enamel that is shaved off is extremely minimal, and usually amounts to about what the thickness of the veneer itself will be.

Dr. Andres will then take an impression of your tooth, so that the veneer can be made. The impression is sent to a Dental Lab, and in the meantime you will receive temporary veneers. It usually takes the lab around 7-10 days to make your veneers and send them back to us. Once they are received Dr. Andres will put them in place to see how well they fit. If all is well, he will then cement them into place with a bonding agent.

How long will my dental veneer last?

The time frame can vary, but the average dental veneer usually lasts about five to fifteen years. This is only a general time frame though, and there are many people that have had veneers last much longer than that, if properly maintained.

If you’re looking to improve the appearance of your smile, dental bonding may be just the ticket. Here, we take a look at some common questions regarding the procedure.

What is dental bonding?

Dental bonding uses a composite resin to fill in spaces in the teeth, such as cracks and gaps. It’s also used to lighten discoloration and even out crooked teeth.

Who is a good candidate for bonding?

Anyone suffering from cracked, discolored, uneven teeth, or small gaps. Dr. Andres will perform a complete oral health exam to determine whether this procedure is right for you. You are discouraged from smoking after a dental bonding procedure, as this yellows the resin rather quickly. If you are a smoker, you will need to discuss this with Dr. Andres before opting for dental bonding.

What are the advantages of bonding?

Bonding creates a pleasing appearance, and is less costly than some other cosmetic dental procedures, such as crowns or veneers. It’s also less time consuming—in most cases taking only one office visit. Bonded teeth require no special care; just continue to practice good dental hygiene like brushing and flossing the teeth.

Are there any disadvantages?

The only major disadvantage of dental bonding is that the materials used are not as resistant to stains as other traditional means of tooth correction, like porcelain veneers.

Is it permanent?

No. While much longer-lasting than some other cosmetic dentistry procedures, it is not permanent. Bonding typically lasts anywhere from three to seven years, after which time the process will need to be repeated. It’s important to practice good dental hygiene to increase the lifespan of your dental bonding.

What happens during the bonding procedure?

During the initial consultation, Dr. Andres will discuss the process with you, map out a plan based around your specific issues and set up an appointment. The actual bonding process begins with the application of an etching agent that creates a textured surface. This prepares the teeth to accept the bonding materials. Next, a thin layer of a plastic-like material is applied to the front side of your teeth. Then, the bonding material will be placed on your teeth, sculpted into a desirable appearance, and colored. For single tooth bonding, the tooth will be colored to match your remaining teeth. A light featuring a high intensity beam hardens the resin, and the teeth are polished. The entire procedure takes no more than a few hours.

Is it painful?

Not at all. Bonding is completely painless, and does not require anesthesia unless a filling is being placed as well. A few patients reported an increase in tooth sensitivity for a short period after the bonding procedure.