Are you thinking about getting a smile makeover? You may be able to choose between a dental crown and porcelain dental veneers depending on whether it affects your complete tooth or whether you have healthy natural teeth.
Crowns and veneers serve distinct functions. Robstown Smiles is here to help you understand the differences between them and how choosing the ideal one can improve your smile.
Dental Crowns vs. Dental Veneers
The discussion between crowns and veneers has been going on for a long time. Each operation has a different purpose and alters the appearance of your existing teeth.
- Veneers cover the front tooth surface while leaving the rest of the original tooth intact structurally. A crown surgery can potentially alter the appearance of teeth.
- Crowns are used when there is considerable damage or when other restorations, such as a big filling, are insufficient.
- Crowns and veneers can both make your teeth whiter and straighter. Veneers cover multiple teeth at once and crowns are only put on specific teeth, one is excellent for cosmetic procedures and the other is best for restorative treatments.
- Your dentist will usually match your crown to the teeth on each side of it. When you wish to change the appearance of a tooth, you frequently have to address several teeth at once.
- Crowns are utilized for restorative purposes, whereas veneers are used for cosmetic purposes. They are, however, both composed of the same gorgeous, long-lasting porcelain material.
Veneers are best for Cosmetic Purpose
- When your natural tooth is healthy and all you want to do is change its appearance, choosing between veneers and crowns is simple. Porcelain veneers are only used for cosmetic purposes. Cosmetic veneers can be used to conceal stains, mildly damaged teeth, and little gaps in your front teeth, among other things.
- Cosmetic veneers simply cover the visible portion of your teeth. They’re usually put in groups of 6-8, depending on how wide your smile is. The usage of same-day composite veneers is an exception, and most dentist’s clinics will only install one or two of those at most.
- Veneers are the greatest option when you don’t require a crown but want to improve the appearance of your tooth structure. You may customize their appearance down to the shade, shape, and size.
Crowns are Best For Restoring Function, Provide Protection and Aesthetics
A dental crown is typically covered by dental insurance because it protects the tooth beneath from further harm. Dental crowns are frequently used by a dentist to safeguard the functional tooth surface following a root canal.
As a general rule, if your existing tooth has a rotten area that cannot be filled owing to its size, you should cover it with a crown. Crowns surround the tooth with a thin coating of porcelain or a porcelain fused to a metal shell, providing both protection and an improved aesthetic. Crowns improve your smile while preserving your teeth from future damage.
Veneers vs. Crowns Procedure
The procedures for veneers and crowns are nearly comparable. However, because one is for cosmetic reasons and the other is for broken teeth or dental implants, the quantity of natural tooth structure involved will vary.
The crowns and veneers procedure is typically divided into two appointments. To make place for the restoration, we will need to numb and prepare the original tooth. Because a crown covers the entire tooth, a tiny piece of tooth enamel must be removed around the entire tooth. Dental veneers, on the other hand, are more like an artificial fingernail that a dentist uses to change the appearance of one tooth. Most cosmetic dentistry veneers require just minor enamel reduction on the front of the tooth or, in some situations, no prep at all.
Following the preparation of your teeth, an impression is taken and sent to the lab. Your veneer or crown material will be molded to fit your tooth there. In the meanwhile, you’ll be wearing a temporary crown or veneer to safeguard your tooth enamel.
You’ll return to the office around two weeks later to have your dental crowns or veneers bonded in place. An X-ray and a handful of extra measures will be required if you’re getting a crown placed on top of dental implants or teeth with root canals.
Conclusion
Are you debating between crowns and veneers? Our Robstown Smiles dentists will explain how veneers and crowns can be used to improve the appearance of your front teeth or to repair a damaged tooth. When you want to change the way your teeth look, we recommend veneers for healthy smiles, and crowns when there is structural damage. Make an appointment with Robstown Smiles today.