What’s the Difference Between a Dental Veneer and a Crown?

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If your teeth have cosmetic problems such as discolorations or chips in the tooth enamel, there are ways to correct these problems. If other cosmetic treatments haven’t worked for you, your dentist may recommend dental veneers or dental crowns, depending on your goals for your smile.

Dental veneers and crowns are both powerful tools that your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, can use to give your teeth a more uniform, conventionally attractive appearance. At Mandarin Dentistry, we offer both types of services for our patients. We’re here to help you decide between both options.

What’s a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin, tooth-colored, tooth-shaped cover made of porcelain or composite. Dental veneers fit over the front of the teeth to hide discolorations, chips, and cracks. They do not strengthen the teeth or provide any structural support. In fact, your dentist will need to shave down a little bit of your tooth enamel to make space for the veneer; then, the veneer will be permanently adhered to your tooth.

Dental veneers can be used to change the apparent shape of the tooth. If you have a tooth that’s unusually short or a gap between your teeth, the dentist may recommend veneers to give your tooth the appearance of being like your other teeth.

What’s a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a cover that’s placed over the entire tooth to support the tooth enamel. Dental crowns can cover discolorations, but they can also be used to strengthen enamel that a procedure like a root canal has weakened. In other words, your dentist may recommend a crown if you have cosmetic or structural problems to fix with your tooth.

Dental crowns aren’t always tooth-colored. In fact, some dental crowns are made of metal. If you want a tooth-colored dental crown to ensure that the crown looks natural, talk to your dentist when choosing the material for your crown.

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Dental crowns and dental veneers can solve some of the same problems, but there are differences between the two options. Do you have questions about dental crowns and veneers in Jacksonville, FL? Call Mandarin Dentistry to learn more.

How Are Dental Crowns Maintained?

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Dental crowns look like natural teeth, so are they maintained like natural teeth? That’s a great question! When you get crowns from your dentist in Jacksonville, FL, it’s helpful to know how those crowns are maintained and what you can do to keep them looking their best. Here’s what you need to know about keeping your crowns beautiful and helping them last as long as possible.

Brushing and Flossing

Dental crowns are cleaned much like natural teeth: with regular brushing and flossing. When you brush your crowns, use non-abrasive toothpaste and a soft bristle toothbrush. When flossing, use standard dental floss. To avoid doing damage to the crown when flossing, pull the floss straight down then up, and don’t use it in a sawing motion around the crown, as this could cause the crown to pop off.

When to See the Dentist

After your crowns are installed, continue seeing the dentist every six months, just as you were before you had crowns. During your dental exams, the dentist will inspect your teeth for signs that your crown could be failing or in need of repair.

Can Crowns Be Whitened?

Not all crowns are white to begin without, but some crowns are made from a white tooth-colored material that matches the color of your other teeth. These crowns cannot be whitened. If you whiten your teeth, your natural teeth will be several shades lighter, but your crowns will not. The end result is that your crowns will no longer match your natural teeth.

If you’re not happy with the color of your teeth, talk to your dentist about dental veneers. Dental veneers are a cosmetic tool that can cover stains and discolorations on your teeth, leaving them whiter, brighter and more beautiful.

Signs of a Problem

Know when your dental crowns are experiencing signs of a problem. If you’re noticing an issue, have your dental professional look at your crowns as soon as possible. Some signs of a problem include:

  • Pain when you bite down
  • Swelling around the crown
  • Your crown has visible wear and tear
  • Your gumline around the crown is receding

If you have more questions about maintaining your dental crowns in Jacksonville, FL, contact Mandarin Dentistry. We’re here to help you maintain your dental crowns effectively and efficiently, so they’ll last as long as possible.

Want to Know More About Crowns? We Have Answers!

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A dental crown can protect your teeth from cracks and damage, while improving the beauty and uniformity of your smile. There are many reasons that dental patients end up with crowns. If your dentist has told you that you will need dental crowns in Jacksonville, FL, you may have questions about what dental crowns are, how they work, what they look like and more. Here’s what you need to know about dental crowns.

What are crowns?

A crown is a cap that’s placed over the tooth to protect it from damage. Often, crowns are made from tooth-colored material and look just like natural teeth. However, some crowns are made from metal and do not resemble natural teeth.

How are crowns installed?

To install a crown, your dentist must shave down a thin layer of tooth enamel to make space for the crown. Once this is done, the crown is cemented over the top of the tooth.

When are crowns used?

Crowns are installed over teeth that have been given a root canal, to protect the remaining enamel. A crown can also be installed over a tooth that has a crack, chip or other damage. Crowns can also be installed over teeth that have cosmetic damage, because crowns can hide discolorations and other non-structural tooth anomalies. Finally, if you have a dental implant, a crown will be installed on the dental implant to take the place of a natural tooth.

How long do crowns last?

Crowns can last anywhere from 5 years to 30 years, depending on how well the crown is maintained and what it’s made from. Dental crowns made of porcelain may last anywhere from 5 years to 15, and metal crowns can last for decades.

What are crowns made of?

Dental crowns can be made from many materials, including porcelain or metal. Your dentist in Jacksonville, FL can help you decide which type of crown is right for your teeth, based on your budget and other considerations. If you need a dental crown, call Mandarin Dentistry to make an appointment.

You Have Questions About Crowns? Read This!

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Did your dentist in Jacksonville, FL say you needed a dental crown? If so, you probably have questions about what a crown is and how it works. If you have questions, we have answers. We’re happy to help answer any questions you might have. Here’s what to know.

What is a crown?

A crown is a thin cap that’s placed over the tooth to protect the enamel. Unlike dental veneers, crowns cover the entire tooth. In fact, in order for the crown to be installed, a small layer of tooth enamel must be removed to make room for the crown.

What purpose do crowns serve?

Crowns protect weakened tooth enamel to prevent it from cracking and breaking. Crowns can also cover up cosmetic defects like stains and malformations. If your tooth is cracked, a crown may be able to cover the crack and ultimately save the tooth.

Who needs a crown?

You need a crown if your tooth is weakened, deteriorated or damaged in some way. If you get a root canal, your dentist will install a crown over the remaining tooth. You will also end up with a crown if you get a dental implant, because implants are topped with crowns to make them look natural.

What are crowns made of?

A crown can be made from many types of materials, including porcelain, metal or composite resin. Metal crowns are the longest lasting and most durable, but they also don’t look like natural teeth. Most people choose to put metal crowns over their back teeth only, where the crown cannot be seen.

How long do crowns last?

How long the crown lasts depends on what it’s made of. Crowns made of composite resin last about 5 to 7 years, while metal crowns can last as long at 15.

How do you maintain a crown?

Maintain your crown in much the same way you maintain your natural teeth. Brush your crown twice daily, floss regularly, and see the dentist on a regular basis. Don’t use abrasive toothpaste on a dental crown, as it can lead to scratches and staining.

Do you have more questions about dental crowns in Jacksonville, FL? Call Mandarin Dentistry today to make an appointment. We can answer your questions at your next doctor’s appointment.