Dental veneers and dental crowns are restorations that can change the appearance of your teeth. Though they are different procedures, people often confuse the two. This article will review the key differences between crowns and veneers to help you better understand which procedure is right for you.
A dental veneer is a thin covering for a tooth made from porcelain or composite resin. Veneers are a cosmetic procedure because they can correct teeth' discoloration, shape, size, and spacing and hide general wear and tear. They can also cover small chips or cracks in natural teeth.
Porcelain is the most common material dentists use for veneers and other cosmetic restorations because it is durable, stain resistant, and provides a natural finish, especially for small jobs that will leave a noticeable impact.
A dental crown (also called a cap) consists of gold, ceramic, metal (the strongest), porcelain, or zirconia materials and rests on top of the patient's healthy natural tooth. The dentist uses them for exposed tooth roots, to protect damaged teeth, and to restore damaged chips and breaks. In some cases, dental crowns also prevent the teeth from shifting and bone loss.
Additionally, often the dentist will recommend a dental crown after a procedure that requires the removal of tooth decay, such as a root canal. Usually, after a root canal, a dental filling is not enough to repair and reinforce the natural tooth. Therefore, the dentist will bond a dental crown directly onto the remaining portion of the natural tooth to restore the tooth's form and chewing function.
Though dental veneers and crowns appear similar, they serve different purposes. Dental veneers do not correct anything more than the appearance of a smile. This means if a patient's teeth are discolored, misshaped, have cracks, or are of different sizes, the veneers will simply cover the issues with thin shells that are bonded to the surface of the teeth to provide a more even and natural-looking aesthetic. Therefore, if the patient is experiencing any adverse oral health conditions, such as a broken tooth, gum disease, or decay, it must be corrected before the veneer installation.
Dental crowns restore lost tooth structure with an artificial one that fits over the entire tooth and sometimes part of the surrounding bone. Dental crowns are generally thicker than veneers, requiring less maintenance over time. However, dental crowns are also better for correcting one or two teeth, while veneers enhance the entire smile for aesthetic reasons. In addition, dental crowns are not meant to brighten a patient's smile, like veneers. If the patient chooses a tooth-colored material, the dentist will match the material as close as possible to the patient's natural teeth. Therefore if the patient wants their teeth to be brightened, they must undergo a teeth whitening procedure beforehand.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Dental Veneers and Dental Laminates in St. George, UT
We hope this information has been beneficial. Whether you are looking for a complete smile transformation with dental veneers or to restore a portion of your smile with dental crowns, we can help. Contact our St. George office today to discover which option is more effective for your condition.
Request an appointment or call About Dental Care at 435-359-0147 for an appointment in our St. George office.
Those seeking to perfect their smiles often turn to dental veneers. This treatment is well known for helping to create bright and dazzling smiles free from imperfections, making it one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures. In addition, veneers are aesthetically pleasing and versatile in addressing the widest range of cosmetic issues.However, it is important…
Getting dental veneers can improve your smile. These thin shells can also protect the treated teeth. Your dentist can determine if you can have this treatment. Here are the details to see if you are a candidate for dental veneers.The enamel can thin out because of sweet and acidic foods and drinks. Hard brushing can…
Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for those who want to enhance their smile. They are thin, custom-made shells that sit on the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers can correct dental imperfections, including stained or discolored teeth, chipped or misshapen teeth, and gaps between teeth.If you are considering getting…
A kid-friendly dentist is a dental professional that offers services for children. They typically have welcoming environments that include colorful areas of the office and implement methods to make children feel comfortable and confident during each visit. This review highlights who needs a kid-friendly dentist and how often parents should take their child to see…
Full mouth dental implants are an option that many patients choose when they need to replace their missing teeth. Our smile is the first impression we have when meeting a new person. We all want that impression to be warm and welcoming. When our smile is somewhat imperfect, we tend to lack confidence and feel…