Teeth are meant to last a lifetime but do they really? Even with daily brushing, flossing and regular dental checkups, our teeth can give out for a number of reasons, and some are out of our control. Maybe you’ve recently gone to the dentist, and the two of you talked about getting a few crowns or veneers, but you’re not really sure what they are and if they’re all that different.
Although similar in that they both restore and improve a smile, dental crowns and veneers serve different purposes.
The main difference between the two is that a veneer covers the front of the tooth and is used for aesthetic purposes, while a crown covers the entire tooth and is used to restore the tooth’s shape and improve its strength.
Below we’ll break down what to consider if you’re looking to get veneers or crowns, the difference between the two and why you may want to choose one over the other.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are a type of dental restoration that is used to repair and strengthen the teeth, as well as improve their appearance. Crowns are often used in situations where the tooth requires extra support or when it has been damaged by decay or trauma.
A dental crown is essentially a cap that is fitted over the top of a tooth to cover up the entire visible portion. Crowns can be made from porcelain, gold alloys, or even porcelain fused to metal. A crown can be permanently cemented into place on top of existing teeth or attached temporarily with adhesives until the gum tissue heals around it.
The purpose of a dental crown is to protect and strengthen weak or damaged teeth by covering the entire visible portion of the tooth with an artificial material called porcelain or ceramic. This makes it look like your teeth are healthy and strong again!
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain or resin that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. They can improve the color, shape, and size of teeth.
Veneers are a common cosmetic dentistry procedure because they can make your smile look brighter and more uniform. They can also hide small chips, cracks, stains, and gaps between teeth.There are two main types of veneers: ceramic and resin.
Ceramic Veneers: Made from porcelain or porcelain-like materials, ceramic veneers are strong yet durable. They’re often used to correct mild tooth decay or discoloration.
Resin Veneers: Resin veneers are made from a thin layer of a composite resin material that is bonded directly to the exposed tooth structure. This type of restoration is typically used for patients with minimal tooth decay but who want to change their smile’s appearance as it relates to the color, size, or shape of their teeth.
How Are Veneers and Crowns Similar?
Veneers and crowns are made of porcelain, a very strong material. This means that they both have a long-life span and that they won’t break or chip easily. They also have the same color and texture, so you can’t tell the difference between them unless you look closely.
Even though they look similar, they’re not exactly the same. Veneers are thinner than crowns because they only cover the front of your tooth, while crowns cover the whole thing. Veneers are also more affordable than crowns because they don’t require as much labor to make them. And lastly, veneers cannot be used if there’s decay behind your tooth because it will show through the porcelain layer on top of it.
Veneer or Crown: Which Is Right for Me?
Some people think that since a crown and veneer are so similar that they can be used interchangeably. This is incorrect. Your dentist will recommend one dental treatment option over the other, depending on your specific situation. If your tooth is very damaged, has a large filling, or has undergone a root canal, then a crown is the best option because the tooth will need protection. Veneers are purely for cosmetic purposes when your tooth needs a minor shape reconstruction.
Summary
Crowns and veneers are two common dental procedures that can help fix a variety of issues. Both involve the use of dental materials to improve the shape, size, and appearance of teeth. However, there are some differences between crowns and veneers that you should know about before deciding which procedure is best for you.
Our dental office in Walled Lake can restore your smile with either option. We are a full-service dental clinic offering cosmetic dentistry, dental treatments, and general dentistry for the entire family. If you have questions or dental concerns our dental professionals are here to help. You should love your teeth and smile, it’s yours for life! Call us to achieve your smile goals beginning with a Free Consultation.