Veneers and crowns are two types of dental restorations. They can both improve the appearance and function of your teeth. However, though they may seem similar, there are some differences between them. In this article, we will discuss those differences, how they are made, and what role each option plays in restoring your smile. If this is something that you’re interested in learning more about, read on as we break down everything you need to know about dental crowns and veneers.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown completely covers the entire tooth, which means more of the tooth will need to be filed down before a crown can be placed. Crowns are typically used to restore teeth with severe decay or damage. To attach a crown, a dentist must remove the decayed material, rebuild any missing parts of the tooth, and then attach the crown to what remains of the tooth. A dental crown is usually made of porcelain, porcelain fused to an alloy (PFM), or an all-metal alloy. The dentist will shape the crown and then cement it firmly into place.
What Are Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made of thin layers of fine, stain-resistant dental porcelain and are only about one millimeter thick. They cover the front surfaces of the teeth, which have been prepared by filing a small amount of your natural tooth to make it easier for the cement to stick. Veneers are custom-made for each person, so they strongly bond to the tooth, and leave most of your natural tooth intact.
Which Option Is Better?
Veneers and crowns are two dental treatments with the same goal—improving the appearance and function of teeth. They are typically used to restore teeth that are somehow damaged, whether discolored, crooked, decayed, chipped, cracked, or broken. Veneers and crowns can both be made to match the color of the rest of your teeth—with the exception of all-metal crowns—to give you a seamless, complete smile. And since both veneers and crowns are capable of restoring teeth to a healthy state, it can be difficult to tell them apart by appearance alone. While veneers are applied directly to the tooth surface, crowns are placed over a tooth, so either treatment will have a similar effect on your smile.
To take care of both veneers and crowns, you should brush them twice a day just like the rest of your teeth, and floss to remove food particles. Regular trips to the dentist will be required for professional cleaning and for monitoring the dental work.
Conclusion
Generally speaking, veneers and crowns serve the same purpose of protecting a damaged tooth. Your dentist, however, will recommend one dental treatment option over the other depending on your specific situation. Crowns are often recommended when a tooth needs more protection, such as when it has had a large filling, has undergone a root canal, or has tooth enamel that is already very weak. On the other hand, veneers work best when you have only minor corrections or cosmetic enhancements to your teeth. If your teeth only need minor improvements or corrections to their appearance, then your dentist is likely to recommend porcelain veneers.
If you’re in need of dental crowns in Newton, then you’ve come to the right place. At the Waban Dental Group, we provide a full range of dental services for your entire family. Established in 1983, the Waban Dental Group sets the standard for exceptional care. For more information on what we can do for you, visit our website today!
