Updated: 20 June 2024

An Expert Guide from Your South Melbourne Dentist at Dental On Clarendon

Welcome to Dental On Clarendon

Hello from your trusted local dentist in South Melbourne! With decades of hands-on experience in both restorative and cosmetic dentistry, I am eager to share detailed insights into two of the most transformative treatments available today: dental crowns and veneers. Making an informed choice between these options is vital for your oral health and overall well-being.

In-Depth Look at Dental Crowns

What Are Dental Crowns?

As a leading practitioner and a recipient of dental crowns myself, I can personally vouch for their effectiveness. Dental Crowns are custom-fitted caps that completely cover a tooth, restoring it to its optimal shape, strength, and appearance. They mimic the functionality of a natural tooth, allowing for a seamless integration into your dental structure.

Lifespan and Materials

Selecting the right material for a dental crown depends on various factors, including the location of the tooth and your specific dental needs:

• Porcelain: Highly aesthetic and blends with natural teeth, ideal for front teeth.
• Metal Alloys: Exceptional durability, preferred for back teeth where chewing pressure is greatest.
• Zirconia: Offers both strength and a natural appearance, suitable for all teeth.
• Porcelain Fused to Metal: A hybrid that provides both strength and a pleasing aesthetic.

Expert Advice on Maintenance

Proper care extends the life of your crowns:

• Regular Cleaning: Brush twice a day and floss regularly to prevent plaque buildup.
• Dental Check-Ups: Biannual visits help detect and resolve any crown-related issues early.
• Protective Measures: For teeth-grinders, wearing a night guard can protect both natural teeth and crowns from excessive wear.

Same Day Crowns

These days it is even possible to get Same Day Crowns with the latest technology utilised by Dental On Clarendon. Follow this link for more detailed information about these Same Day Crowns.

Personal Experience with Veneers

Why Choose Veneers?

In my practice, I have witnessed firsthand how Dental Veneers can revolutionise a person’s smile and confidence. These thin, custom-made shells are crafted to cover the front surface of teeth, masking imperfections such as discolouration, minor misalignment, chips, or gaps. The two types of Veneers available are Porcelain Veneers & Composite Resin Veneers.

Durability and Care

• Porcelain Veneers: Resistant to stains and can maintain their brilliance for over a decade.
• Composite Resin Veneers: More susceptible to staining but are a cost-effective alternative that can be easily repaired.

Caring for Your Veneers

• Good Oral Hygiene: Gentle brushing with a soft-bristled brush and non-abrasive toothpaste.
• Regular Dental Visits: Critical for maintaining veneers and overall oral health.
• Avoid Damaging Habits: Refrain from using your teeth to open packages or chew hard objects.

Choosing Between Crowns and Veneers

When it comes to enhancing your smile or restoring damaged teeth, choosing the right procedure—whether dental crowns or veneers—is crucial. Each option serves distinct purposes and is suited to different dental conditions and aesthetic goals.

Dental Crowns: Restoration and Protection

Dental crowns are best suited for teeth that have sustained significant damage or decay. They are also an excellent choice following root canal therapy or when a large filling needs extra protection. Crowns envelop the entire tooth, providing a strong, protective shell that prevents further decay and strengthens the tooth's structure. They are ideal for:

• Restoring severely worn down or broken teeth
• Supporting teeth with extensive decay that cannot hold a filling
• Protecting weak teeth from fracturing
• Anchoring dental bridges
• Covering dental implants

Dental Veneers: Cosmetic Enhancement

Dental veneers are primarily used for cosmetic improvements and are applied to the front surface of the teeth. They are thin yet durable shells designed to enhance the appearance of your smile by altering the shape, color, size, or length of teeth. Veneers are perfect for addressing issues that do not affect the overall function of your teeth, such as:

• Covering stains or discolouration that do not respond to whitening
• Correcting minor misalignments or uneven tooth shapes
• Filling gaps between teeth
• Refining the overall aesthetic for a more symmetrical and brighter smile

Factors to Consider

1. Extent of Tooth Damage: Crowns are necessary when the tooth's structure is compromised. Veneers are preferable when cosmetic changes are the primary concern, and the underlying tooth is relatively healthy.

2. Desired Outcome: If the goal is to dramatically change the tooth's appearance for aesthetic reasons without extensive dental work, veneers are suitable. If the need is to repair and protect a damaged tooth, a crown will be the better choice.

3. Longevity and Care: Both options require good oral hygiene practices to extend their lifespan, although crowns generally offer more durability in cases of extensive dental work. Veneers can provide a stunning aesthetic look but may need to be replaced more frequently than crowns due to their thinner material.

4. Cost Consideration: Veneers typically require less tooth preparation than crowns, which might make them less invasive and slightly less expensive in some cases. However, the total cost can vary based on material choice and the extent of the preparatory work needed.

Why Trust Dental On Clarendon?

At Dental On Clarendon, our approach combines advanced dental techniques with a deep commitment to patient care and comfort. We believe in providing personalised treatment plans tailored to meet the unique needs of each patient, ensuring optimal results and satisfaction.

Commitment to Excellence

Our dedication to excellence in dental care is supported by continuous education and the adoption of the latest dental technologies. This commitment not only enhances our ability to provide top-tier dental treatments but also ensures a safe, effective, and comfortable patient experience.

Transform Your Smile with Confidence

If you're considering dental crowns or veneers, book a consultation at Dental On Clarendon. We'll provide a thorough assessment, discuss your options, your oral health, and plan the perfect cosmetic treatment to achieve the smile you've always wanted.

Author Details:

Dr. Ian Malkinson

Discover the dedicated care of Dr. Ian Malkinson at Dental on Clarendon, your South Melbourne dental expert. From advanced cosmetic procedures like Invisalign to comprehensive dental health services, Dr. Malkinson uses the latest technologies to ensure a healthy, confident smiles since 1995.

Click to discover more about Dr. Malkinson's commitment to your oral health.