The best way to desribe the difference between a crown and a veneer is that a crown covers the entire top of the tooth and a veneer just covers the front part of the tooth and leaves the inside part of the tooth untouched. This does not take into account all the variations of crowns, such as the materials used, if there is a metal base, etc. Also sometimes a veneer needs to cover more than just the facing of the tooth. There are times that a veneer may need to cover most of the tooth as well. In our office we don't really distinguish the difference with our all porcelain restorations, so as to avoid the confusion of semantics. One other difference is the veneer is ALWAYS bonded, where the crown can either be bonded or cemented.
When we perform a Zoom procedure in our office we usually do three 15 minute cycles, and if the patient has the time and patience, we do a fourth. This is what is recommended by the manufacturer. The only time we will do less cycles is if the patient is so sensitive that they ask us to stop, or if the patient feels claustraphobic or can't sit any longer. Rarely will one cycle show any kind of results. The prcess works well most of the time when done as directed.
When having your teeth whitened in a dentist administered environment, the only side effects are sensitivity and maybe some peroxide "burns" on the tissue. Both of these are temporary and go away within a day. There may be some unseen dehydration side effects if whitening is done too often. This may leave teeth more sensitive over that time.The cure for this is to lay off bleaching until the enamel remineralizes.
I am assuming by "Smile Makeover", you mean porcelain veneers. If there is no need to even tissue heights by moving the tissue up slightly on certain teeth, then the veneer ends just above the tissue. This means no irritation to the tissue when cleaned and maintained normally. If tissue does need to be brought up on some teeth, then those areas will require a little time to mature (heal). In either case, when done correctly and maintained properly, there is terrific, healthy, natural response to a smile makeover and in some ways, indicate how well the veneers are done.
