There are a few different options to repair damaged teeth. The most common are dental bonding, dental veneers, and dental crowns. If the damage is very minor and cosmetic, dental bonding may be enough to resolve it. If the damage is a bit more substantial, your dentist may decide a dental veneer is the better restorative option.
Dental veneers can repair a variety of different issues. These include chips, discoloration, cracks, and more. If your tooth is damaged, reach out to Forest Hills Dental. Dr. Gregory Mark will take a look at the tooth and see what the best repair option is to meet your needs.
Are Dental Veneers Right for Me?
You may be wondering, “Are dental veneers right for me?” The answer is, “It depends.” There are different restoration options, and Dr. Mark will decide if dental veneers are the best option. This will be contingent on what the damage is that needs to be repaired and the extent of the problem.
Some of the main reasons for the placement of dental veneers include:
- Repairing chips and cracks
- Additional tooth support
- Improving tooth coloration
- Adjusting uneven and misaligned teeth
- Boosting mood
- Increasing self-confidence and self-esteem
Dental Veneers or Dental Crowns
The main consideration for whether a dental veneer or crown is right for you is the amount of damage to the tooth.
When a dentist is able to, they will keep as much of your natural tooth as possible. A veneer is the best option to maintain more of your natural tooth. If the tooth is damaged to the point where the crown can no longer be saved, though, they’ll place a dental crown instead. This allows the patient to keep the root of their tooth and avoid having the tooth replaced entirely.
As the name implies, a dental crown is a prosthetic that is used to replace the natural crown of a patient. The prosthetic fits perfectly over the natural portion of the tooth that it sits on, and the natural tooth is shaped to ensure the best placement possible.
If a tooth has become extremely decayed and the crown is destroyed but the root is still viable, a dental crown is a great option. Dental crowns also may be placed when a patient experiences an injury that has cracked their tooth.
Dr. Mark will take a look at your tooth and determine whether a dental veneer or dental crown is right for you.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
There are different materials that dental veneers can be made with. One of the most popular material options is porcelain.
Porcelain veneers are very durable and look natural. Unlike some other options, they can closely mimic the appearance of a natural tooth. This allows them to match the tooth they are sitting on, along with the surrounding teeth. Most people don’t even notice that a patient has a veneer.
The placement of a porcelain veneer begins with a trip to Forest Hills Dental, where Dr. Mark will examine your tooth to determine the best repair option. If he decides that a porcelain veneer is the best option, he will set an appointment to begin the placement process.
The first step of the process is to prep the tooth. Dr. Mark will shape the tooth, so the veneer properly rests on it. In order to ensure there is no pain, a local anesthetic will be used. Dr. Mark will then make an impression of the tooth that will be sent to a lab. The lab custom-makes the porcelain veneer, so it perfectly fits the tooth. While the final veneer is being created, a temporary veneer will be placed. This helps to reduce sensitivity.
The creation of the dental veneer will take a few weeks. Once the custom veneer is ready, Dr. Mark will place it. Before it is permanently secured, he will check the fit and color. If everything looks good, he will use a bonding agent to secure it in place. Before you know it, you’ll have your amazing new veneer!
What Are Composite (“Same Day”) Veneers?
An alternative to porcelain veneers is composite (“same day”) veneers. These veneers can be created in the office and don’t need to be sent to a lab. Because of this, they can be placed on the same day as the reshaping procedure. Composite is fast, affordable, and effective. With that said, composite veneers aren’t as durable or translucent as porcelain. Dr. Mark will speak with you in detail about the two options so you can make a decision about which is the better choice for you.
Why Forest Hills Dental?
Forest Hills Dental is a top-quality dental care facility that offers affordable services to patients of all backgrounds and income levels. We are committed to our customers and providing them with the best service possible.
Dr. Mark is well-respected and renowned for his outstanding work in the field of dentistry. With over 30 years of experience, he has a high level of expertise that many other dentists don’t. You can rest assured that you’ll get the best care possible and be happy with the results of the procedure.
Contact Forest Hills Dental Today!
If you have discolored or damaged teeth, contact Forest Hills Dental today. We will schedule an appointment for Dr. Mark to take a look and determine what the best repair option is to meet your needs. If he decides to place a dental veneer, we will schedule an appointment to start the procedure.
If you have questions about cost, insurance, payment, or anything else, let us know. We are happy to answer any questions. We can also discuss credit options with you.
Contact Forest Hills Dental today to learn more about dental veneers and to schedule an appointment for an examination and consultation.
