Monthly Archives: October 2016

What is the difference between Dental Implants and Crowns?

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If you have had filings, decay or have suffered trauma and wish to improve the appearance of your smile, then there are several options that are available. Two options are those of crowns and dental implants. So what is the difference between the two treatments? Below we explain why and when you should have a crown or dental implant.

Crowns

Crowns are often referred to as a cap and this perfectly describes their role. The crown acts as a cap to cover the tooth. The crown is made from strong acrylic and looks very much like a natural tooth. Crowns are used for a variety of reasons. When a tooth has suffered severe decay and there is not enough tooth left to bind a filling to it, then a crown is the next obvious choice. Another reason for using a crown include teeth that are discoloured, broken teeth due to trauma and uneven teeth. Crowns help to preserve the tooth that is left and look aesthetically pleasing. It is very important that good levels of oral hygiene are maintained when caring for a crown, as you need to preserve the tooth that is underneath the crown as well as the teeth that are situated either side.

Dental Implants

A dental implant is an artificial root that replaces the root of a natural tooth following decay or trauma, when the tooth needs to be removed. This is different to a crown, as the crown is simply the top part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth. An implant is the actual root that sits in the jawbone. Having a dental implant is more invasive than having a crown fitted, as the dental implant needs to be inserted into the jaw bone, where it will fuse and act as a natural tooth. This will then create a sturdy root and a solid foundation for a replacement crown, denture or bridge. Dental implants are the next best thing to having natural teeth. As they are secured firmly into the jaw, they will not move or rub the gums like dentures.

Crowns v Dental Implants

So to summarise, a dental implant and crown have very different jobs to perform. The crown is used for cosmetic reasons and to preserve what is left of a natural tooth. Dental implants are used when there is no longer a viable tooth, due to injury, decay or trauma. The implant acts as a support for a false tooth that includes crowns, bridges and dentures.

 

How are dental veneers done?

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The teeth play a significant role in everyone’s life. Many people are unhappy with their teeth, often as a result of damage and discolouration amongst other reasons. However, dental veneers can offer a solution to this problem as they can serve to end the discomfort or embarrassment felt by a person as result of their teeth.
Dental veneers are a procedure that always uses resin-like materials which are much thinner than the natural tooth. Dental veneers act as a thin layer on top if the natural tooth and can cover a multitude of issues including discolouration, erosion, and even gaps by taking the form of a thin shell that covers the outer surface of one’s teeth. They therefore serve to bring back the natural or physical appearance of the teeth.

Procedure

For the procedure of dental veneers to be successful, an estimation of three trips to the dentist is required for the different stages and phases of placing the veneers successfully onto the tooth. This means that patients looking for a quick, one-day fix should not expect that if they want the procedure done properly. The process of the procedure is outlined below.
1) Treatment Planning
It will be necessary to get check out by a dentist to determine whether dental veneers are the appropriate solution to the dental problem you are experiencing. The dentist will conduct an examination of the teeth after which they will ascertain whether dental veneers are the solutions to the problem. When this treatment has been agreed upon, the process of fitting veneers will be commenced.
2) Treatment Preparation
The tooth or teeth receiving the veneers is prepared for treatment by removing the enamel to create space for the new veneer. Normally, the process is painful, and anaesthetic is applied to numb the tooth or teeth. The results collected at this stage are then sent off for analysis in the lab while a temporary veneer is placed on the area from which the enamel has been removed.
3) Treatment Bonding
After the lab completes its study and a permanent veneer is received, the temporary veneer placed on the tooth is removed in readiness for the permanent veneer. The permanent veneer is then permanently bonded to the tooth and various adjustments are made to ensure that it is permanently fixed in the correct position. The process frequently involves polishing the edges to make sure that the tooth functions naturally and are then cleaned to perfection to give the patient the dazzling smile they ave always wanted.