What are dental veneers?

Veneers are wafer-thin, custom made porcelain or composite resin shells that are cemented on to the front surface of a tooth by using dental cement to improve your appearance.

Why are dental veneers used?

Dental veneers are recommended if you have a chipped or worn tooth, misshapen teeth, stained or discoloured teeth and if you have large gaps between your front teeth. 

How is this procedure done?

The procedure depends on the type of veneers recommended. Composite veneers are fabricated in the dental clinic by your dentist and bonded onto your prepared teeth in a single visit. Porcelain veneers require two visits as the veneers are fabricated in a lab.  The front surface of the tooth will be prepared by your dentist on the first visit. It is prepared to an extent nearly equal to the thickness of a veneer. Then an impression of the prepared teeth will be made and sent to the lab for the veneer fabrication. Until your next appointment, the dentist will provide you with a temporary veneer. In the next visit, the veneer will be cemented on to your prepared teeth using special types of cement. Both veneers have their own benefits. Composite veneers are less expensive, easy to repair and require only a single visit to prepare several veneers. Whereas porcelain veneers are long-lasting and preserve its bright and translucent appearance of the teeth.

How much does this veneer procedure cost?

The cost of the veneer procedure depends on the type of veneer used. Composite veneers will cost you around INR1500-2000 per tooth and the porcelain will cost you more than INR 8000.

What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a tooth-crown shaped cap that is mounted on a prepared tooth to reinstate its size, shape, appearance and to restore its normal function. 

When is a dental crown needed?

Dental Crowns are recommended if;

Your teeth have undergone root canal treatment.

The tooth is discoloured or deformed.

The tooth that was fractured due to trauma.

Your teeth have large decay to be filled.

You have undergone implant placement. 

You have lost a tooth and require a bridge

What are the various types of dental crowns?

Metal crowns:

Metal crowns are the most durable and long-standing crowns which can withstand hard biting and chewing forces. However it is aesthetically unpleasant and hence, it is suitable only for the molar teeth. 

Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal:

In these types of crowns, the inner part will be made of metal and an outer portion will be made of porcelain. These crowns have the dual advantage; metal which provides strength and porcelain natural teeth colour. Such crowns are preferred if you have aesthetic concerns but also wish to have durable metal crowns. However, the porcelain may wear off and metal will be visible at a later date. 

Ceramic Crown:

If you want a good natural-looking tooth without a metal portion in your mouth, especially for the front teeth, in such situations ceramic crowns are preferred. The ceramic crowns have good strength as well as it blends with your natural tooth colour.  However, these crowns shouldn’t be considered for molars because the forces applied while biting can wear down your teeth.

How is this Crown procedure done?

Ideally, it takes two visits for the process to complete. In the first step, the dentist will examine your mouth and do a tooth preparation procedure. And on the second visit, your dentist will fix a permanent crown on that prepared tooth. 

How much does it cost?

INR2000-INR 10,000 per tooth.