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Porcelain
Veneers:
Porcelain
veneers are a natural-looking solution to a broad range of cosmetic
problems. Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain
(approximately the thickness of fake fingernails) that are typically
bonded to the front and tops of the teeth. Being thin, light can
shine through and they take on the natural color of the underlying tooth
structure. Only a minimal amount of tooth structure is required to
be removed to accommodate porcelain veneers..
Advantages:
They are beautiful, strong
(once bonded in place) and durable. Minimal tooth reduction is
required to accommodate their installation, and they can often be repaired
while still on the tooth with bonding techniques.
Disadvantages:
Their
placement requires some tooth reduction, and the procedure is
non-reversible, making you dependent on veneers or replacement veneers for
the rest of your life. Your Dentist must have the technique,
experience, and artistic talent to place veneers. The procedure is
normally a two-appointment process.
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Bonding:
Bonding
is typically a three-step procedure. First, the fronts of the
teeth are treated with a mild acid. Next, the plastic bonding
material, which has a consistency of bread dough, is placed and sculpted
to the desired shape. Finally, the material is hardened with a
high-intensity light.
Advantages:
Bonding produces strong,
natural-looking restorations, accommodates in-the-mouth repairs, and is a
one-appointment procedure.
Disadvantages:
Some
tooth reduction is required, and the procedure is generally considered a
non-reversible process that makes you dependent on bonding for rest of
your life. Your dentist must have the proper technique, experience,
and artistic talent to perform bonding. Few dentists have adequate
training in bonding.
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Crowns:
Crowns
are constructed through the use of porcelain, porcelain and metal, or
entirely out of metal. They are best used in cases where teeth are
broken down and need structural support and protection. They might
also be appropriate if gaps are extremely wide. If your teeth are
intact, in good shape, and you merely want to close spaces, your
recommended choices are:
Advantages:
Crowns can repair structural
damage, are very strong, and can be constructed from several different
materials.
Disadvantages:
Crowns require a relatively large amount of tooth reduction, are
less natural-looking as compared to veneers or bonding, and may show a dark
blue line where they meet the gums, should your gums happen to recede.
Porcelain crowns are capable of wearing down opposing teeth.
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