Dental Crowns & Porcelain Laminate Veneers
Dental crowns and porcelain laminate veneers are restorations that cover or cap teeth, restoring them to their natural size, shape and color. The crown or laminate veneer not only helps appearance, but can also strengthen a tooth that otherwise might be lost. In years past, dental crowns looked artificial because porcelains were very opaque, and gold (or other metals) was necessary at the gum line. Modern improvements in the translucency of porcelain and the strength of porcelain have eliminated these problems and allow for the placement of dental crowns and laminate veneers that are indistinguishable from natural teeth.
Pre-existing porcelain crowns on the front two teeth creating a dark shadow at the gum line.
Treatment with new porcelain crowns for the front two teeth.
Porcelain laminate veneers to improve the length of the teeth and orthodontic treatment to improve the position of the teeth.
Porcelain crowns and porcelain laminate veneers can restore the wear on teeth and bring teeth back to their original length and color.
Although orthodontic treatment is the best way to straighten out crooked teeth, porcelain laminate veneers, as shown in this case, can treat misaligned teeth for patients who are unable to undergo orthodontic treatment.
In this case, the previous dental treatment at a different office ended up with porcelain crowns too far up under the gum tissue causing pain and swelling (first photo). The corrective gum tissue treatment was provided by periodontist, Dr. Michael Gahagan, followed by new porcelain crowns with the proper fit at the gum line to eliminate the pain and swelling.
 Before |
 After |
A combination of periodontal (gum) treatment, orthodontics, and porcelain laminate veneers can perfect a smile.
The level of the gum tissue is raised to be in harmony and symmetry with the smile of the upper lip.
The molars and premolars are raised to form an ascending smile line.
The upper front teeth are slightly enlarged and brought forward to enhance and dominate the smile.
  Before |
  After |
In this patient treatment, porcelain laminate veneers were provided to restore the worn teeth back to their original length, and the ideal width to eliminate the spaces between the teeth. The emax porcelain used has a similar strength to natural enamel and more resistance to wear than natural enamel.