Crowns are typically used to restore a tooth's function and appearance following a restorative procedure such as a root canal. When decay in a tooth has become so advanced that large portions of the tooth must be removed, crowns are often used to restore the tooth. Crowns are also used to attach bridges, cover implants, prevent a cracked tooth from becoming worse, or an existing filling is in jeopardy of becoming loose or dislocated.

Porcelain crown covers on a tooth completely to restore the tooth's normal shape, size and function. Crowns may be necessary because of broken down old fillings, fractured, cracked or damaged teeth. Crowns are also used to improve the appearance of natural teeth that are malformed, malpositioned or discolored. Crowns are made of natural looking porcelain and are made to improve your overall smile or to blend in with your own teeth. Sometimes an underlying metal shell is used under the porcelain if additional strength is needed.

Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells of ceramic material, which are bonded to the front of teeth. Veneers may be necessary because of spaces between the teeth, broken or chipped teeth, unsightly, stained or washed out fillings, permanently stained or discolored teeth, dark yellow or stained teeth.

The process involves buffing the tooth, removing an extremely thin layer of the tooth to allow for the thickness of the veneer, an impression of the tooth, and final bonding of the veneer to the tooth with special cement. A special light is used to complete the process.

This procedure requires little or no anesthesia, and can be the ideal choice for improving the appearance of the front teeth.