Dental Crowns Vs Veneers

Dental Crowns Vs Dental Veneers (Palos Park IL Dentistry)

Choosing a method to improve the look and feel of your teeth can be a big decision, and you deserve to know what exactly is the best option for you before you make any kind of choice. Two popular dental restoration methods are veneers and crowns, while both are similar and different in specific ways.

We at Sheehan Dental strive towards our patients feeling comfortable and in the know during each of their appointments. That is why we are here to inform you about any and all information regarding these two methods. We will also go into detail about the pros and cons of each one so that you can make an informed decision should you need a dental restoration when you come in to see us at Sheehan Dental.

What is the main difference between a Veneer and Crown

main difference between a Veneer and Crown

A crown or veneer is used to restore the functionality and the support of damaged teeth. You may need one should you have a root canal or broken/cracked tooth.

  • A dental crown is something that covers the entire tooth and repairs any teeth that are damaged but can still be saved.
  • A Veneer is something that is only placed on the front surface of your tooth; this reduces the need for surgery as it leaves most of your tooth intact.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

Dental Crowns in Palos Park IL

The Pros:

Protection and Stability

With a crown, your entire tooth is covered, ensuring that the tooth is protected against threats such as decay. This reduces the chances of needing further procedures to fix recurring problems.

Permanent

If you have severely damaged teeth, dentures are often considered a better option than crowns, but if you are able to opt for crowns, they are a relatively permanent option that does not need to be removed for routine cleanings or replacements.

Comfortable and Clean Look

Crowns are an unbeatable option for those wanting to have teeth repairs that look and feel like normal teeth. They can help with discoloration and alignment issues providing a look that you can be confident in.

The Cons:

Cost

Dental crowns can often be somewhat of an expensive procedure if you do not have insurance that could cover them, and depending on how many teeth need to be corrected; you could be looking at a hefty bill.

The Majority of the Tooth is Removed

To install a crown, the tooth is ground down to make room for the crown. The procedure is irreversible and can lead to somewhat of a lengthy procedure and painful recovery.

Increased Sensitivity

After crown installation, you may have increased sensitivity to hot and cold. You may also experience a small amount of pain when biting down hard.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers

The Pros:

Many Different Options

One of the most attractive options for those considering Veneers is the fact that you can choose from a wide array of different materials. You can choose from:

  • Porcelain Veneers
  • Composite Veneers
  • Instant Veneers
  • Removable Veneers

Specially Molded To Your Teeth

Veneers are molded to the shape and look of your teeth; this makes it almost impossible to see any difference between your teeth and the veneers.

No Additional Drilling or Shaping

The veneer is bonded with your tooth with no additional special maintenance required. All you have to do is practice normal teeth care like brushing and flossing your teeth.

The Cons:

No Change In Color

Now, this may seem like a good quality, but as you grow older and your teeth lose some color, this can lead to a bit of an awkward look as your veneers will remain the same color as when they are put in.

They Can Be Very Delicate

If you choose a porcelain veneer, they are at a heightened risk of chipping and cracking, unlike crowns. Anyone who has habits of biting their nails, grinding their teeth while they sleep, or chewing on ice, veneers are usually not recommended.

Future Problems May Arise

Using veneers will correct problems you have with your teeth, but unfortunately, your teeth underneath can still be susceptible to tooth decay, which could result in the need for crowns in the future.

Dental Crowns and Dental Veneers in Palos Park

If you are still unsure about what option would be best for you or a loved one, you can always rely on our team of dentists here at Sheehan Dental to provide you with all of the information you need to be absolutely comfortable with your choice.

Whatever you choose, we provide dental crowns and dental veneers for all of those in Palos Park, come in today to speak with one of our dentists or contact us here. Your smile is important to us, and we will do what we can to give you the smile that you deserve.

Beyond The Brush: What You Can Do To Prevent Dental Plaque

Having the perfect smile is something all of us strive for, whether it be going to work, going out with friends, or visiting with family, there is no situation where a good smile isn’t wanted. Unfortunately, there are a few things that can happen that deter you from having the perfect smile, but if you have the right people in your corner, you can get easy and fast solutions to any kind of dental emergency!

Dental plaque is something that a lot of people will experience sometime in their lifetime. It is a very real problem, and over time it can really affect the health of your teeth. Photo perfect teeth are something you want, and it is something that we can help you achieve, no matter the problem, Sheehan Dental will always be here to serve you!

First Things First: What is Dental Plaque?

Dental Plaque is a sticky yellowish film that forms on your teeth. It is the direct combination of saliva, foods, and liquids producing bacteria and, in turn, causing plaque that forms on and in between your teeth as well as along the line of your gums.

Dental plaque can form fast and act quickly; that is why taking the appropriate measures to prevent plaque from forming is extremely important at any and every moment you can!

How can Dental Plaque Affect My Teeth?

Unknown by many, but dental plaque can be the root cause of a variety of different oral health issues. Bacteria that are found in plaque produce different acids that can degrade tooth enamel leading to complex dental problems like cavities. Plaque can also cause different problems like gum disease, bad breath, and a yellow stain on your beautiful smile.

Fight Back Against Dental Plaque

Dental Plaque Treatment

Now you may have a question that people from across the world are constantly asking when regarding their dental health: how do I prevent plaque from forming on my teeth? The answer is simple, clean them.

If you don’t regularly brush and floss your teeth, your teeth can develop an unattractive yellow/brown color caused by an excessive build-up of plaque. As we mentioned before, plaque can form on your gums, between your teeth, and on them, so it is important that you both brush and floss at least twice a day. But you shouldn’t stop there!

Here are some Sheehan Dental Tips to cleaning your teeth on your own:

  1. Always floss first. Flossing will remove any pieces of food, liquids, and plaque build-up that lay between the teeth, on the teeth, and in hard to reach places,
  2. After you have finished flossing, it is time to trust in your toothbrush. Brush your teeth, starting in the back of the mouth using a short and circular motion. Brush both the front and back on the front teeth first and then switch to your back teeth.
  3. After all is said and done, rinse your mouth with a dentist-approved mouthwash. This will release any bacteria remaining in your mouth.

We can only do so much to clean our teeth; we can take every precaution but still find ourselves being the victim of dental plaque. After a lot of plaque build-up, tartar forms, and tartar can be very difficult to remove. That is why we highly recommend coming into Sheehan Dental to have regular professional cleanings for your teeth. It’s fast, easy, and can stop plaque directly in its tracks!

Beyond The Brush: What You Can Do To Prevent Dental Plaque

Keeping up with dental hygiene both inside and outside the clinic is something we should always do, but there are a few other things we can do to prevent the build-up of plaque. This is usually done by changes in our diets and cutting back on things like sugar, starch, and acidic foods. For example:

  • Desserts
  • Candy
  • Bread
  • Chips
  • Sodas
  • Juices
  • Sports drinks

You don’t need to cut out all of the foods that you enjoy, but to prevent dental plaque, try to avoid consuming the foods mentioned above in high excess.

Preventing and Treating Dental Plaque with Sheehan Dental

Regular dental checkups and cleanings with our team can increase the prevention of dental plaque while also helping other oral problems. During your checkup, we will examine the entire mouth, checking for any indications of tooth decay and gum disease while also removing any plaque or tartar that is situated on your teeth. We will also recommend different brands of toothpaste, toothbrushes, and mouthwashes so that you can reduce your time in the dental clinic!

We are here to serve you, so for any information or appointments, don’t hesitate to contact us today to get the answers and results that you are looking for! We want your smile to glow, so contact Sheehan Dental today for all of your dental needs!

Let’s Do Our Part: COVID-19

To ensure the safety of our patients, communities and dental team members, ISDS recommends the following measures that align with Gov. Pritzker’s mandates to limit the spread of COVID-19 through dental offices for the two-week period beginning Tuesday, March 17 through Tuesday, March 31, 2020:

  • Treat only patients requiring emergency dental procedures.
  • Postpone elective dental treatment and procedures.

In the next two weeks, we anticipate that the Centers for Disease Control, American Dental Association and Illinois Department of Public Health may establish additional safety measures above and beyond our already comprehensive universal standards of infection control. 

Therefore, to ensure the safety of our staff and our patients the office will be closed:  March 17 – March 31, 2020.

If you have an emergency, please call.  We will be seeing emergency patients, if necessary.