If you’re looking to conceal significant tooth damage, you may consider veneers vs crowns. Ultimately, it’s about the amount of tooth structure required when deciding which dental restoration is most suitable. However, if you’re unsure whether to opt for dental crowns or dental veneers, we can help.
Not sure of the difference? In brief, dental veneers cover the tooth’s front surface, whereas crowns cover all of the tooth’s surface area. When done well, both procedures showcase cosmetic dentistry at its best and improve the smile’s appearance.
So, let’s delve deeper into both procedures to help you decide between veneers vs crowns.
What are dental crowns?
Around 2mm in thickness, dental crowns or ‘caps’ envelop the whole tooth. Dentists use them to strengthen weak or decayed teeth, restore the natural shape or size, or improve the overall appearance.
Why crowns?
Dental crowns are durable and long-lasting, making them ideal if the teeth are severely broken down, or you’re prone to grind your teeth (bruxism). They can be matched to the shape and colour of the surrounding teeth to blend seamlessly into the smile. Dental crowns can be fitted to improve the look of your smile when there’s insufficient tooth structure to support a veneer – still creating your dream smile.
What’s involved in the procedure?
At Southport Park Family Dental, we offer crowns that can be completed over two appointments or CEREC same-day crowns. The procedure involves removing a substantial amount of tooth enamel and grinding down the top and sides of the tooth to accommodate the crown. A custom dental restoration is then cemented firmly into place.
What are dental veneers for?
Are your teeth chipped or discoloured? If so, a veneer could be the solution for you. Porcelain dental veneers allow you to conceal any irregularities. Where your teeth are gapped, mildly misaligned or cracked, veneers will instantly improve the appearance of your smile and give your confidence a boost. The purpose of dental veneers is similar to crowns, but the processes are quite different in that very little tooth enamel is removed in preparation for a veneer.
Veneers vs crowns – what’s the difference?
If you’ve been looking to improve your smile, you’ve probably come across several options, with the most popular being veneers and dental crowns. Both of these procedures effectively enhance the smile, help improve speech, and reduce discomfort when eating.
A porcelain veneer is wafer-thin and covers the tooth’s front surface only. Compared to a dental crown, there is minimal adjustment to the natural tooth rather than removing a substantial amount of the natural tooth. Both procedures use porcelain. However, only a thin layer of porcelain is applied over the front of a tooth when a veneer is fabricated, whereas a crown covers the entire tooth.
What’s the procedure for dental veneers?
Dental veneers are generally made from porcelain, although many dentists offer composite resin veneers. Porcelain is a strong ceramic material with similar light-reflecting properties to tooth enamel, creating an incredibly natural result. Veneers can be applied to one or several teeth, and the procedure is very straightforward.
An initial consultation is required to discuss your smile goals and assess your suitability for veneers. Typically veneers can be completed in two visits. The first appointment is to prepare the teeth to be covered with veneers by removing a thin sliver of tooth enamel. This ensures the veneers fit flush within the smile. The teeth are scanned, and the images are sent to the dental lab to create your custom veneers. The second appointment is to apply the veneers to the teeth with dental bonding.
What do porcelain dental veneers look like?
Be aware, however, that even though they are colour-matched to your natural teeth and stain-resistant to a point, they do not respond to teeth whitening.
Therefore, they will need to be replaced if badly stained. While veneers can’t structurally replace whole teeth, they are very durable and last on average between 10-15 years.
Veneers vs crowns – Which should I choose?
It’s always best to have this discussion with your dentist, but ultimately, it depends on the condition of your teeth and the results you are hoping to achieve.
Generally speaking, crowns are more commonly used for patients with severely cracked or broken teeth and after root canal treatment. In contrast, veneers are used more in cosmetic dentistry for those individuals looking for cosmetic improvements and a less invasive treatment.
Are you considering veneers vs crowns?
Southport Park Family Dental offers a variety of procedures that can rectify all defects and irregularities in your teeth, so why not visit us to discuss your best options. Our experienced dental team look forward to helping you restore your smile and boost your confidence. Call today on (07) 5655 7688 or use our online booking service.
References
Hopkins Medicine.Org – What is Bruxism?
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/bruxism
Healthline.com – What You Need to Know About CEREC Dental Crowns
https://www.healthline.com/health/what-you-need-to-know-about-cerec-dental-crowns
Healthline.com – Everything You Need To Know About Composite Veneers
https://www.healthline.com/health/composite-veneers
