One of the basic principles of artistic architectural design is, “form follows function.” The same could be said of artistic smile design. The healthiest teeth are also the most beautiful. When you choose Virginia Biological Dentistry, you will never have to compromise between oral health and appearance. Our carefully crafted restorations are designed for optimal aesthetics and functionality. Thanks to our in-office milling machine for dental crowns, you don’t have to sacrifice convenience, either.
The difference between crowns and veneers
A dental crown encases the tooth in a thick layer of porcelain, or a similarly strong material. It is designed to mimic a natural tooth in color and shape, so it will be indiscernible when you smile. Of course, if the tooth has any aesthetic flaws, the crown will eliminate them. However, dental crowns are rarely used for exclusively cosmetic purposes.
If your teeth are strong and healthy, then aesthetic enhancements can generally be accomplished with procedures that are more conservative. A porcelain veneer covers the entire visible surface of the tooth. Like a crown, it can change the appearance of a tooth and correct virtually any cosmetic concerns.
The advantage of porcelain veneers is that they are extremely thin, so there is very little alteration to the underlying tooth. However, for the same reason, veneers have limited ability to protect or restore teeth. A tooth that is significantly compromised will need the protection of a full dental crown
When a crown is needed
A dental crown may be recommended for:
- A severely decayed tooth that cannot be restored with a filling
- Restoring a tooth with old, large fillings
- A broken, cracked, or badly fractured tooth
- Protecting a weak tooth, especially after root canal therapy
- Correcting a severely misshapen tooth
Call us at (804) 381-6238 today to schedule an appointment.
