Veneers or Crowns; that is the question

There are many things to weigh up if one decides to invest in ones smile; the cost being paramount.  However, if a 'Yellow Grimace' instead of a 'White Smile' reflects back at you via the bathroom mirror; it just might be time to schedule an appointment with your dentist.

Bleaching the teeth can cost up to £250 but it does work.  It could be to your advantage to opt for a middle strength bleaching gel and lighten (not whiten) your teeth gradually shade by shade over a few weeks (via a mouth shield to be worn overnight).  

Once consulted with your dentist you can then retain the shield and purchase the bleach on line for a fraction of the price.

It must be said though that overdoing the bleach strength in the hope of whiter teeth is counterproductive.  Higher strength bleaches can induce pain to the extent that you will not be able to carry on with the treatment.  Furthermore, you will not necessarily lighten the teeth.

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If bleaching is not the required option and/or your teeth need alternative attention the next dilemma could be whether to choose crowns or veneers or even a mix of the two.

If you choose porcelain veneers remember that your teeth will be drilled down significantly; so once you go ahead there is no turning back.  

To fit one crown or veneer you would have to attend two appointments.  The first appointment could last up to an hour where multiple mixing of pastes/taking impressions is undertaken. 

Veneers can also be costly and can often come off once bonded so discuss with your dentist what would happen in this event (as in incurring any charges for replacement/reattachment).   

Bearing in mind the veneered front teeth (central incisors) are less likely to work loose, whereas the lateral teeth (the next ones along from the central incisors) can fall off due to chewing motions.

Another down side to veneers is that you have to be careful what you eat (especially toffee) and some innate grinding actions may also render the veneer to dislodge.

A good suggestion is to ask your dentist if you may speak with the technician who makes up the veneers.  Many dentists assume that one chooses veneers to eradicate gapped teeth when this is not always the case.  Veneers can near enough replicate the size of your existing teeth if that is your wish; gaps included.

Not all of us desire the disingenuous 'Hollywood Smile.' It can be argued that many celebrities today appear as though they have a strip of white marble plastered across their mouths with no intervening apertures.  This look is not necessarily attractive.  

Not to mention they will have to sell their souls to their agents for all eternity just to keep themselves in teeth.

Porcelain crowns can cost £200 upwards each depending on the quality of porcelain and the skill of the dentist.  They are more permanent than veneers but you will lose more of your original tooth should your teeth be capped.

In today's climate of recession more dentists are likely to take NHS patients.  This means that if you fit the relevant criteria your treatment will be free.  

Bleaching and veneers, however, are classed as cosmetic treatment so they will not be covered (there are a few exceptions with veneers).

As an afterthought if one decides on veneers or crowns it might be a good idea to bleach the rest of your teeth first.  

Then the new lighter veneers/crowns will match the now lighter colour of your own teeth (after bleaching) thus producing a flush, whiter smile overall.

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