Veneers vs. Crown

Veneers and crowns are both reliable restorative solutions that protect the structure of a tooth while refinishing its surface to create a strong, reliable and beautiful smile esthetic. However, veneers and crowns have many differences with regard to their purpose, placement and function.

 

Veneers: Veneers are most frequently used as a cosmetic smile solution. They can be used use refinish the surface of a tooth and correct teeth that are too narrow or short, and cover-up stains, small chips and cracks. While a single veneer can be used to refinish an individual tooth, multiple veneers are most often used to refinish the most visible teeth and provide a smile makeover that’s fully customized and idealized. Like crowns, veneers are comprised of a thin porcelain shells that are fabricated from an impression of the existing tooth site. Veneers are usually much thinner than crowns, but the existing tooth structure will need to be slightly modified for permanent bonding and placement.

 

Crowns: Crowns may be used for cosmetic purposes, but they’re most frequently used to restore the surface of a tooth due to a fracture, severe chip, deep cavity, or following a root canal or other procedure that calls for the modification of the tooth.  Like veneers, crowns are custom fabricated to perfectly restore the appearance of a tooth, in addition to protecting its structure.  Crowns are frequently created from porcelain or ceramic, but they may also be formed from gold, porcelain fused to metal or other material.

 

To learn more about these or any other procedures performed by Dr. Nina Kiani at her New York, NY dental practice visit www.ninakianidds.com or call 212-279-8770 to schedule an appointment! 

Home Fluoride Treatment

Fluoride is a mineral that occurs naturally in many foods and water and it helps prevent tooth decay by making the tooth more resistant to acid attacks from plaque bacteria and sugars in the mouth. Every day, minerals are added to and lost from your teeth’s enamel layer through demineralization and remineralization. Minerals like fluoride, calcium and phosphate are redeposited to the enamel layer from the foods and waters consumed. Fluoride is important for infants and children between the ages of 6 months and 16 years. However, adults benefit from fluoride, too.  

While there is fluoride in our foods and water, it can also be directly applied through fluorinated toothpastes and mouth rinses. In most cases, fluoride is administered by the dentist during your appointment. During your appointment, the doctor will apply the fluoride to the teeth in gel, foam or varnish form that contain much higher levels of fluoride than the amount in mouth washes or toothpaste. Because it’s been difficult to find effective, affordable fluoride treatment at a drug store, Dr. Nina Kiani has decided to offer take-home fluoride treatments.

 

This take-home fluoride treatment provides complete coverage and helps protect your teeth from harmful plaque bacteria. When you get your home fluoride treatment, it is quite simple to use:

• Brush your teeth thoroughly.
• Place the fluoride gel in the tray. 
• Place the tray completely over your teeth and gently press the tray to move into place.
• Leave trays in your mouth for 5 minutes.
• Use the tray with the fluoride gel in your mouth at least twice a day.
• Once after breakfast and once before bedtime.
• Do not rinse your mouth after each use. Expectorate the gel residue completely. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes.
• Do not eat or drink with your tray in place.
• Do not use any chemicals or hot water to clean your tray. Use antibacterial soap on a toothbrush to clean your tray and rinse it out.

If you are interested in take-home fluoride treatments, set up a consultation with Dr. Nina Kiani at our New York, NY office!