Braces have always been the conventional treatment for teeth straightening. For most patients, especially adults, the idea of having wires and brackets on their teeth for many months (or years) is not appealing. Nowadays, dentists can provide alternatives such as crowns and veneers to restore the teeth’s alignment, and in even less time. But how do crowns and veneers function as teeth straightening options? Continue reading to find out.
Braces and retainers are no longer the only way to straighten the teeth. The dentist can use dental crowns and veneers on the teeth to make them look straighter without any adverse effect on the overall health of the patient. However, before going forward with treatment, patients must consult with their dentist to know if their condition can be corrected using these alternatives. In some cases of severe teeth misalignment, braces or clear aligners might be the most effective method.
A dental crown (or tooth cap) is a complete shell of a tooth. Crowns are often the most effective option when there is a need to make extensive changes to the size, shape and color of a tooth, which cannot simply be masked with thin veneers. Dental crowns can be designed to look identical to a natural tooth. The materials used for producing the crown can be of zirconia base with porcelain overlay or complete porcelain.
Dental crowns can make crooked or misshapen teeth look straighter. Before placing the crown, the dentist will shave down the natural tooth to accommodate the restoration. Dentists generally do not recommend extensive drilling on healthy natural teeth. Otherwise, they will consider other teeth straightening options.
Dental veneers are thin shells created from porcelain. Dentists bond them over the teeth to change the color, shape and size of a natural tooth. The dentist can use veneers on a crooked smile within a few dental visits. Like the dental crown, the porcelain veneer will be crafted and shaped to look like an ideal natural tooth and make the smile straighter. Although the process also requires removing a layer of the tooth structure, a conservative dentist can ensure minimal alteration and achieve appealing results.
During a consultation, the dentist will examine the patient’s smile and decide if the use of crowns and veneers will satisfy the patient’s expectations for their smile. The dentist will take pictures and impressions to plan and create a new plan. It is important to note that the changes made to the teeth during the procedure are permanent and irreversible. Looking on the bright side, the teeth will continue to function naturally, and if there are existing cosmetic issues on the teeth, they can all be corrected with one procedure. With proper maintenance, crowns and veneers can last for many years before needing replacement.
Dental veneers and crowns are excellent teeth straightening alternatives to braces, especially when the issue requires more than a change of alignment and crookedness. If you want to learn more about their uses, schedule a consultation with a general dentist.
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