Interview with cosmetic dentist Dr. Robert Antola
I was presenting information about cosmetic dentistry today to one of my patients and the question was brought up what the difference was between a crown and a veneer and what are the indications for each.
- Both Porcelain Veneers and Porcelain Crowns are made in a dental laboratory. The color (shade) is matched up with the rest of the teeth in the mouth so as to blend in and create the most beautiful and natural appearance.
- I will usually recommend that the natural teeth are first bleached so that the color of the veneer/crown will match the adjacent teeth™s color. This step is important since porcelain and fillings will not whiten with bleaching techniques.
- Automatic Color matching instruments are used which are similar to those used to match paint shades. We also use our professional digital camera to send emails to our laboratory to precisely obtain a great result.
—Porcelain Crowns extend completely around the tooth. This is done if there are large fillings in the existing teeth, or if there is need to strengthen the tooth. These crowns are very strong especially since they get bonded to the remaining tooth.
— Porcelain veneers (also referred to as dental veneers, dental laminates, porcelain laminates, or even simply tooth veneers) are custom-made wafer-thin shells of porcelain that are bonded onto the front side of teeth so to mask imperfections associated with their color, shape, size, or positioning The benefit of this very conservative technique is that it leaves the majority of the tooth intact and not altered.
Porcelain veneers are typically best suited for those situations where initially the tooth is still fairly intact (as opposed to having large portions missing due to fracture or decay) and when the tooth is not expected to be exposed to excessive loads (extreme chewing pressures or else tooth clenching and grinding habits). When some aspect of the ideal conditions for a porcelain veneer are (or are expected to be) exceeded then a dental crown is typically the preferred dental restoration.
Porcelain veneers are typically best suited for those situations where initially the tooth is still fairly intact (as opposed to having large portions missing due to fracture or decay) and when the tooth is not expected to be exposed to excessive loads (extreme chewing pressures or else tooth clenching and grinding habits). When some aspect of the ideal conditions for a porcelain veneer are (or are expected to be) exceeded then a dental crown is typically the preferred dental restoration.
Dr. Antolak treats his dental patients in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere where you are treated like a guest in the home. His motto is to “relax while we take care of your smile”. He specializes in cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and general dentistry using sedation dentistry if necessary for his high fear patients. He has been treating patients for the past 21 years and is located in Shelby Township, Macomb county Michigan.