Do you catch yourself covering your mouth when you smile? If so, you're not alone. Millions of Americans feel self-conscious about their appearance because of discolored, uneven, or damaged teeth. Emile McLaurian, DDS, is an experienced cosmetic and family dentist at Gregory Family Dental in Kansas City, Missouri. He uses crowns and veneers to restore his patients' oral health and give them smiles to be proud of. Find out more today by calling the practice or clicking on the online calendar to schedule your appointment.
Over time, teeth succumb to wear and tear — even if you follow a careful cleaning routine. They can become discolored, misshapen, or cracked. In these cases, when the tooth doesn't need to be removed but does need a little care and maintenance, Dr. McLaurian recommends crowns or veneers, depending on the issue.
Crowns and veneers improve the appearance and function of teeth, although they perform distinctly different roles in the mouth.
Dr. McLaurian assesses your needs to determine whether you need a crown or a veneer, and then he creates a custom treatment plan accordingly.
A crown is a protective cap that sits over the entire tooth. It's a versatile treatment, used to:
Crowns can be metal, porcelain, or porcelain fused to metal.
Dr. McLaurian recommends veneers when the issue is more aesthetic than structural. A veneer is a thin layer of dental material, usually porcelain, that adheres to the natural tooth. It's a popular choice when treating:
You must have enough of your natural tooth remaining to accommodate the bond for the veneer.
The procedures for getting crowns and veneers are quite different.
Getting a crown typically takes two appointments. At the first, Dr. McLaurian takes X-rays of the tooth and removes any tooth decay or pulp damage. He then files down the tooth edges and takes an impression before fitting a temporary crown to protect your tooth while you wait.
In 2-3 weeks, you return for a second appointment, when Dr. McLaurian places the permanent crown and cements it in place.
Dr. McLaurian files down a very thin layer of enamel of the tooth’s surface to allow space for the veneer. He takes an impression of your teeth and sends it to the lab to create the veneer. In the meantime, he places a temporary veneer to protect the tooth.
Dr. McLaurian has over 20 years of experience creating beautiful smiles with crowns and veneers. Call Gregory Family Dental today or schedule your appointment online.