Dental crowns and veneers are popular treatment options for people who have cracked a tooth, want to make cosmetic changes to their teeth, or are looking to improve their smiles. Although both of these procedures can positively influence the appearance of a tooth, they are two different solutions that potential patients should weigh carefully.
Dental crowns are used to cover an entire tooth. This means that every part of the tooth above the gum line is encased in porcelain, which helps strengthen the tooth and improve its appearance.
Like the name would suggest, veneers only cover the front side of a tooth. This porcelain front allows for changes in the color and shape of the tooth.
When deciding whether to opt for dental crowns or veneers, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:
Veneers are typically placed on teeth that are healthy and strong. Porcelain veneers tend to be weak and do not strengthen or otherwise alter the integrity of a tooth. Patients who have generally healthy teeth who are seeking a change in color, shape or alignment should consider porcelain veneers.
Crowns, on the other hand, are helpful for protecting teeth that are cracked or otherwise damaged. While crowns can still adjust the shape and color of a tooth, they are also able to strengthen and rebuild teeth that are severely decayed or broken. If a tooth is unhealthy, a crown is a better solution than a veneer.
Patients should consider the purpose for which they are considering either procedure, as well as the health of their teeth when making a decision between dental crowns and veneers.
For teeth that are pretty strong and only require slight cosmetic changes, veneers are probably best. Veneers are a good solution for issues that are strictly aesthetic in nature.
For broken teeth that need support or restoration, crowns are a better option. A dental crown will not only improve the way a tooth looks, but it will also rebuild the structure of a tooth and allow patients to use the tooth the way they would naturally.
If there are no underlying issues or problems with a patient’s teeth, veneers are a good treatment option. However, if a tooth is in desperate need of repair or protection, patients should choose a dental crown.
Veneers require less tooth reduction than dental crowns. In fact, in some situations, no trimming is needed at all. Patients who have minor cosmetic issues to fix should probably opt for a procedure that does not require much tooth reduction.
If a tooth is severely damaged, some tooth reduction can help protect the healthy parts of the tooth that remain. However, this is not ideal if the tooth is relatively healthy.
In order to choose the dental procedure that will work best for their own unique needs, patients should consider the purpose of the procedure, the health of their teeth and the amount of enamel trimming that will be involved.
A dentist can help provide more information and make sure patients understand the difference between veneers and dental crowns before they make a decision.
Request an appointment here: https://www.lightbreezedental.com or call Light Breeze Dental at (949) 274-4719 for an appointment in our Irvine office.
Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.
All too many teenagers and adults do not receive the orthodontic care they need due to fear of an extensive treatment process. Invisalign® offers a way to straighten your smile in a minimally invasive manner. You can also enjoy the discreetness that Invisalign offers, which is not the case with traditional braces. The most notable reasons…
A dental crown serves as a durable restoration for a compromised tooth, yet certain conditions can eventually cause it to fail. These caps provide essential protection for the underlying enamel and restore the ability to chew without discomfort. Therefore, identifying the early signs of wear helps patients protect their investment and maintain a healthy smile…
To find a dentist both parents and children feel comfortable with can be a challenge, but it is not impossible. It may seem hard to think of a trip to the dentist as a family affair, but everyone should be on the same page when it comes to oral health. Consistency in oral health cleanings…
The American Association for Pediatric Dentistry recommends taking your child to a dentist for kids before the age of one. At this point, some of their teeth should have erupted, so a dentist can evaluate their development and spot any abnormalities. Issues like a poor bite are easier to address when detected early in life…
All too many teenagers and adults do not receive the orthodontic care they need due to fear of an extensive treatment process. Invisalign® offers a way to straighten your smile in a minimally invasive manner. You can also enjoy the discreetness that Invisalign offers, which is not the case with traditional braces. The most notable reasons…
A dental crown serves as a durable restoration for a compromised tooth, yet certain conditions can eventually cause it to fail. These caps provide essential protection for the underlying enamel and restore the ability to chew without discomfort. Therefore, identifying the early signs of wear helps patients protect their investment and maintain a healthy smile…