Dental Veneers vs Crowns

Have your teeth sustained structural or cosmetic damage? You can consult with your dentist to find a treatment that will restore the look, function, and health of your smile according to your unique needs. Two of these potential procedures include dental crowns and porcelain veneers.

Both of these dental solutions employ caps that fit over or attach to the affected teeth, but they vary in their specific purposes and benefits. They each have their advantages, but your dentist can let you know during a consultation which one can best help your oral health. Read on to learn more about how these two dental procedures compare and differ in their tooth restoration treatments.

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Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a ceramic cap that a dentist can place over the entire surface of a tooth. It seals into place with dental cement, creating a durable shield over the damaged tooth. This way, you can chew and bite with improved function once again, and the tooth will remain safe from further harm.

To place a dental crown, the dentist must first remove a minute amount of the tooth’s enamel to make room for the cap. But you will receive a local anesthetic to numb the area and ensure you remain comfortable during this process.

The dentist prepares your teeth during one visit. But you will need another appointment to receive a permanent, custom-made crown over your tooth. They need time to build the crown, which can be a few weeks. But once the crown is in place, it can last for fifteen years.

A dental crown is known for its restorative benefits, but it can enhance the look of your smile too. Because a dentist makes each crown on a custom basis, they can consider the aesthetic goals of the patient too. You can trust that you will have a secure and comfortable fit that will also look beautiful and natural in your smile.

Improve Smile Appearance with Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers differ from dental crowns in that they are a cosmetic dental tool rather than a restorative one. This means that they are used primarily to boost the appearance of your teeth.

They feature custom-made shells that adhere to the front of the teeth using dental bonding. The dentist must etch into the enamel to prepare the teeth for this treatment. But you can have a local anesthetic to stay comfortable as they do.

Like with crowns, veneers involve a multi-step process. They prepare the teeth in one appointment, but you must return later to receive your custom veneers. The result is a fuller, brighter, and straighter smile according to your desired results that can last for fifteen years or longer.

Though known for their cosmetic advantages, veneers can improve your oral health too. They simplify your oral hygiene routine, which will make it easier to keep your smile clean and therefore healthy. And veneers can replace weak enamel on the front of the teeth to shield this vulnerable area.