Crowns, Veneers, And More: Options For Making The Most Of Your Smile

You want a bright, healthy smile. But, you have a tooth or two that might not look 'right.' That's okay. It happens. Plenty of people have discolored, chipped, or misshapen teeth. Luckily, there are options such as crowns, veneers, implants, and more that can help your dental issues. Which one is right for you? That depends on your individual dental needs and what the pro says. Keep in mind that how you fix your teeth is a personal decision that you should make with your dentist or oral surgeon. Understanding your options is the first step in this process. So what are the choices when it comes to fixing your smile?

Crowns

A dental crown is a cap that covers your tooth. These are often made from porcelain or ceramic materials that match your tooth's natural color. Some crowns are gold or made from metal alloys. These obviously won't match your other teeth. A crown can cover and fix a chipped tooth or replace a severely discolored tooth. They're also used to protect weak teeth from further damage, to restore a fractured tooth, or to cover a tooth after a root canal.

Veneers

Dental veneers are thin shells that cover your teeth. These are made from tooth-colored materials (typically porcelain or a resin) and fit right over your existing teeth. Veneers are not options to fix missing teeth. But, they are used to close gaps between teeth, cover discolored teeth, and reshape chipped or broken teeth. The veneer is bonded to your existing teeth, making it a permanent part of your smile.

Dental Implants

If you're missing a tooth or have to have a tooth removed, an implant may be the way to go. Unlike options that fit over the tooth, implants fully replace it. The dentist or oral surgeon will attach an anchor to your jawbone, making a fake root for the tooth. After the anchor is in place, the dental pro will add a crown on top. The crown completely replaces the tooth and typically is a natural pearly white shade.

Dentures

Are you looking for an option that isn't permanent? Dentures may be your best bet. These are removable dental appliances that take the place of your missing teeth. Unlike implants, you won't need an oral surgery procedure to install the device. The dentist will fit the dentures for your mouth and provide instructions on how to insert them. You'll remove your dentures at night and to clean.

Whether you choose crowns, veneers, implants, dentures, or another dental device, you can turn your not-so-hot smile into one that you're proud to show off. With the help of your dentist, you can pick the "just right" option that will help you to have the healthiest mouth possible.