I have seven bad teeth and would like to know if I should ask for crowns or veneers. My teeth look horrible. Part of it is genetic and poor shape. But my teeth have never been anywhere close to white. Nobody in my family has good-looking teeth. The other part is my not caring for them like I should have when I was younger. Now that I am 33 and have dental coverage and the money to fix them, my teeth matter. If I get caps on the 7 teeth, how long will they last? Joelle
Joelle – If you take good care of crowns, they can last 15 years or more. But your teeth may not need porcelain crowns. We recommend that you have your teeth examined by a cosmetic dentist. Depending on the condition and location of your teeth, you may be able to receive porcelain veneers, which cover the front of your teeth. Back, or molar teeth, can be covered with crowns.
Benefits of porcelain veneers
Benefits of porcelain veneers include:
- Preserve tooth structure. They require less removal of your natural tooth structure. A dental crown requires tapering the entire tooth so it will cover the tooth from the gumline to the biting surface
- Lifelike, thin restorations. You can receive ultra-thin veneers that look just like natural teeth.
- Quick smile transformation. A dentist can transform your smile in as few as two visits with this treatment.
- Long-lasting results. Porcelain is durable, so if you take good care of your veneers, they can last 15 years or longer.
Many dentists can give you crowns or veneers, but only a dentist with an artistic eye and extensive training in cosmetic dentistry can give you beautiful results. A skilled cosmetic dentist will ensure your veneers match the characteristics of your natural teeth. If you invest in renewing your smile, be sure to visit an experienced cosmetic dentist for quality results.
Dr. Duane Delaune, an cosmetic dentist in Metairie, Louisiana, sponsors this post.