The Teeth Underneath Veneers and Crowns

Whether you need to have a dental crown to repair and preserve a damaged tooth, or you’ve chosen to get porcelain veneers in Hillsboro to improve the appearance of your smile, the teeth underneath will need to be reshaped. This must be done to accommodate the veneer or crown and to ensure a comfortable fit and natural look. But what happens once a tooth is reshaped? Read on to learn how the tooth is protected and more about porcelain veneers and dental crowns.

Placing Porcelain Veneers and Dental Crowns

Whether you’re getting porcelain veneers or a dental crown, you will likely need to schedule two visits with a cosmetic dentist in Hillsboro. At the first appointment, the teeth in question will be reshaped. For veneers, a slim layer of enamel is trimmed away; a greater portion of tooth structure is removed to ensure that a crown fits perfectly between adjacent teeth.

At the second visit, the permanent restoration is cemented into place. What happens to your teeth between these two appointments? The dentist temporarily bonds provisional restorations to your teeth to protect them and allow you to still chew and smile with confidence. The temporaries are only there until you return to have permanent veneers or a dental crown. Then, the dentist removes them and your smile is restored with customized restorations.

What are the Advantages of Veneers?

In addition to having a great looking smile, you’ll also have teeth that resist staining from coffee, tea, tomato sauce and other foods and beverages that can leave deposits on natural teeth. But don’t think that because veneers are less likely to discolor that they are impervious to damage. They can chip or break, so avoid biting your fingernails, chewing ice cubes or gnawing on a pencil, which could damage your new smile.

What is a Dental Crown Made Of?

A crown can be made entirely of tooth-colored ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal or metal alloys. The one that is best for you will depend on the reason for placing the crown, where the crown will be located in your mouth and whether or not the crown will be visible whenever you smile or speak.

How Do I Care for Veneers or a Crown?

Brush and floss your restorations just as you would your own natural teeth. Be sure to use a toothbrush with soft bristles, because hard ones are more likely to scratch the surface of a restoration. Also, fluoride toothpaste is a must to ensure the continued good health of the teeth underneath!

If you would like to learn more about what porcelain veneers in Hillsboro can do for your smile, or if you have a damaged tooth that needs a crown, please contact a dentist today.

About Dr. Brandon S. Kearbey

In addition to earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree, Dr. Brandon S. Kearbey regularly continues his education to provide his patients with advanced services, including cosmetic dentistry. He can help you get the healthy, beautiful smile you have always wanted with porcelain veneers. Contact our office today to schedule your consultation.