Maintaining good oral health and a smile you enjoy sharing go hand in hand when it comes to how you care for your teeth and gums. At times, however, you may need help beyond your regular daily brushing and flossing.
Whether you have a damaged tooth, discoloration, or an uneven smile, restorative and cosmetic solutions are available today. Veneers and crowns are two such solutions that can keep your teeth functioning properly and also brighten your smile. Which one will be right for you will depend on a number of factors.
What are Veneers vs. Crowns?
Veneers are fine, thin layers or shells of porcelain that bond to the surface of teeth and are often considered a cosmetic procedure. Each one can be crafted to fit the shape of the natural teeth and also the color, so they appear completely natural, and only you will know they are there. Veneers are also stain-resistant.
In contrast, crowns can be a restorative or cosmetic fix for one or more teeth. Dental crowns, instead of being shells, are tooth-shaped caps with natural coloring. They are positioned over damaged teeth for protection and to improve both function and appearance.
What are the Distinct Differences Between Veneers and Crowns?
While veneers and crowns are both options for restoring or improving the function of teeth as well as appearance, they do have distinct differences.
Type of Fit
A thin shell-like veneer is bonded to just the front surface of your tooth, while a crown is more of a cap that covers the entire natural tooth.
Appearance
Veneers, when in place, show less gum margins than crowns. This effect is due to the thickness of the crowns. Both, however, can improve your smile.
Procedure Type
For veneers, your dentist will start by slightly buffing the tooth and taking a mold. The veneer is then custom-made in the dental lab and, once available, will be bonded to the front surface of the tooth. Traditional veneers require a longer process, but today you have the option of going with Lumineers. Lifetime Dental Health offers these and will have you smiling again within two visits to our office.
The procedure for traditional crowns is more involved, often coinciding with the need for root canal therapy. To save your natural tooth, the damaged parts are removed or filed away, and your dentist may need to rebuild sections to accommodate a crown.
After dental impressions are made, you’ll receive a temporary cap for the tooth while the dental lab makes your new crown. Once ready, you will return, and your dentist will adjust the fit and cement the crown in place.
Today, fortunately, you also have access to CEREC crowns, which are made of ceramic and may be installed within your mouth in just one dental visit. The crown will be designed through 3D modeling, usually right there in the dentist’s office.
Durability
Both veneers and crowns can last for long periods of time as long as you make good dental hygiene a habit and not an afterthought. However, veneers consist of such thin material that you may need to replace them within a few years in some instances. Crowns can last much longer and may or may not need replacement during your lifetime.
Which is More Preferable – Veneers or Crowns?
When it comes to whether veneers or crowns are more preferable, much will depend on the health of the tooth and gums and your individual preferences.
If your teeth are mostly healthy but you just want to improve your smile, veneers are a great option. They can improve the coloring across teeth in the smile zone and also adjust the length or width of a tooth to create a more even appearance.
Both veneers and crowns can be potential solutions for those experiencing any of the following:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Crooked teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Excessive tooth wear/enamel erosion
While you may have a choice between these two options, there are times when one will be preferable to the other. Crowns, in particular, are distinctive solutions for certain situations where veneers will be unable to help. These situations include damaged and weakened teeth due to large cavities or other dental issues and injuries such as experienced in falls or while participating in sports.
In addition, crowns provide protection for the natural tooth and a stable solution for teeth with root canals.
Discover Whether Veneers or Crowns are Right for You at Lifetime Dental Health
Today you have options when it comes to how to maintain both your oral health and a confident smile. Our team here at Lifetime Dental Health can help you determine if veneers or crowns are the better choice for your individual needs and preferences and also provide other dental services as required. Find out more about each one or schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Barry today.
