Understanding the Differences Between Fillings, Crowns, and Veneers

When it comes to restoring and enhancing your smile, there are several options available, each designed to address specific dental concerns. Fillings, crowns, and veneers are some of the most common treatments used to repair damage, strengthen teeth, or improve appearance. But how do you know which option is right for you?

At Esteem Dental, we believe in providing clear, personalized guidance to help you make the best decisions for your dental health. We’ll ensure you fully understand each option and help you choose the treatment that best suits your smile. Your dental health and satisfaction are our top priorities.

What Are Dental Fillings?

Dental fillings, occasionally called dental bonding, are primarily made of a tooth-colored resin, composite, or an amalgam made of an alloy of mercury, silver, copper, or other metals. After the fillings are shaped, your dentist will harden them with a UV curing light and then polish the entire tooth. This will help allow the fillings to blend into your natural teeth, helping them look and feel natural.

Fillings are helpful in many dental procedures and treatments, including treating cavities, minor chips and cracks, root canals, and many other dental problems. A dental filling can help reduce and prevent tooth pain, sensitivity, visible damage, and other issues that may decrease your quality of life. However, fillings may get stained or break down over time, meaning you will likely need to replace them every few years.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are small, tooth-shaped, and colored caps that can restore teeth after a root canal, tooth decay, or in many other scenarios. Crowns can be made from many materials, including tooth-colored porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, metal, zirconia, or composite resin. However, composite resin is typically used for temporary crowns and is less common in permanent solutions.

While dental fillings are an excellent option for minor issues, dental crowns can help restore teeth that have much more significant damage or decay. Crowns can protect teeth from additional damage, mitigating the chances that you will have a bacterial function, leaking, or pain in the affected teeth. Crowns are also a more durable solution than other restorations, lasting up to 15 years with appropriate care and maintenance.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are shell-like pieces that can be applied to the front of a tooth, restoring the aesthetic appearance of a patient’s smile. They’re typically made of porcelain or composite resin, and they look incredibly similar to your natural teeth. They can also be personalized and customized to fit your specific needs or goals. However, veneers are not typically a functional solution that can restore a strong bite, as they are not the most durable.

Veneers are typically permanently bonded to the front of your teeth, covering chips, cracks, discoloration, staining, fractures, and other aspects. In addition to improving the appearance of your teeth, they can also provide structure and protection. By blocking out chips and other weak points of your teeth, veneers make it less likely that you will suffer a bacterial infection or other pain. With proper care, your veneers may last up to 20 years.

Patients should expect a much higher cost with veneers, as well as some limitations in future dental care. Patients with veneers will also need to get them replaced when they are broken or worn, potentially increasing costs further.

Why Choose Esteem Dental for Your Restorative or Cosmetic Dental Needs?

At Esteem Dental, we take pride in offering personalized solutions for all your restorative and cosmetic dental needs. Whether you need a filling to repair minor damage, a crown to strengthen a weakened tooth, or veneers to enhance your smile’s appearance, our experienced team will guide you every step of the way. 

We’re committed to providing the highest quality care in a compassionate and comfortable environment. If you’re considering any of these treatments, reach out to us today at (407) 476-5650 or use our contact form to schedule a consultation.

Esteem Dental And Orthodontic Team

Our team is composed of highly skilled dentists, hygienists, dental assistants, and administrative staff, each committed to ensuring that every visit is comfortable, effective, and rewarding. Led by our experienced dental practitioners, we utilize the latest technologies and techniques to deliver top-quality care and transformative results.

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