Dental crown is a tooth shaped cap that is placed over the tooth surface, to improve its appearance. Dental crown can repair extensively decayed or damaged teeth. Dental crowns may be of gold metals, silver metals, porcelain or combination of porcelain and metal. The damage to the teeth should be repaired by using crowns. Crowns restore the size of shortened teeth, restore a patient’s bite, eliminate sensitivity and improve the aesthetics of the teeth.

Crowns are usually bonded to the tooth with the help of dental cement. A dental crown may be needed to:

• Protect broken tooth
• Cover severely discolored teeth
• Cover an implant
• Hold a dental bridge in place
• Restore severely worn teeth
• Repair broken teeth
• Cover a tooth with large filling
• Cover an root canal treated tooth

Veneers, also referred to as porcelain veneer or porcelain laminate, are a thin wafer like material which is tooth colored that is designed to cover the front portion of the teeth. Dental veneers are indicated to correct and repair chips and cracks, improve a worn appearance or severe tooth discoloration. Veneers may also be recommended if you have gaps in your teeth or if you have not had success with teeth whitening.

Dental veneers can be of two types; composite or porcelain. Veneers made up of composite require minimal tooth preparation but tend to stain over a period of time.

Porcelain made veneers require more tooth preparation but they resist stain better and last longer. Porcelain veneers transmit light better to create a more translucent and natural appearance.