Common Treatments Explained

What is the difference between a filling and a crown?

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Short answer

A filling repairs a small area of decay by filling in the cavity, while a crown covers the entire visible tooth when the damage is too extensive for a filling to support. The choice generally comes down to how much healthy tooth structure remains.

About this answer: Prepared by the AllSmiles Dental Editorial Team for general information. Your dentist can advise you based on an examination and your individual needs.

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What is a dental crown?

A dental crown is a custom-made cap that covers a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, strength, and appearance. Crowns are commonly used after a root canal, on a heavily decayed tooth, or to protect a tooth that has cracked.

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What are dental veneers?

Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front surface of a tooth to improve its color, shape, or alignment. They're primarily a cosmetic treatment, most often used for discoloration, chips, or minor gaps that don't require full orthodontic correction.

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What does fluoride treatment do for teeth?

Fluoride treatment strengthens tooth enamel and helps it resist acid attacks from plaque bacteria, which can slow down or even reverse the very earliest stages of decay. It's commonly applied during routine checkups, particularly for children and anyone at higher risk of cavities.

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