Dental Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Do You Need?

When it comes to tooth restoration, two standard options include dental veneers and crowns. Dental veneers are thin covers adhered to the tooth to create a traditional and classic shape. Dental crowns, on the other hand, are caps. Dentists place crowns on top of the teeth to protect, restore or cover teeth. While both can restore the shape of a tooth, one may be a better option than the other.

Should you choose crowns or veneers?

Both crowns and veneers can mimic the appearance of natural teeth. Both methods can improve the function of a patient's teeth. Crowns and veneers have high success rates with patients and boost self-confidence and enhance an individual's smile. The choice between the two, however, depends on a patient's condition and goals.

Differences between crowns vs. veneers

Crowns cover the whole tooth. When placing crowns, dentists file down more of the tooth to prepare for placement. For those who have decay, the dentist may build up the tooth to support the crown. Likewise, any damage to the tooth's structure may require more buildup. Dentists may use various materials to create a crown. Some common materials include:

• Porcelain
• Metal
• Resin
• Ceramic

The dentist reshapes the tooth and uses paste or putty to create an impression to fit a crown. The impression is the blueprint for the crown. Following the crown's creation, it receives permanent placement over the tooth.

Dental veneers, on the other hand, only cover the front of the tooth. Veneers should look like the surrounding teeth. They should have a natural appearance. A veneer does not require the dentist to remove as much enamel as a crown. The dentist removes a small amount from the front and sides of the teeth before making a mold of the teeth. When dentists place veneers, they ensure the veneer matches the color and shape of the rest of the teeth. Most veneers come in composite resin or porcelain.

Reasons for crowns vs. veneers

There are several reasons for patients to choose crowns. Some of the most common reasons for a crown include protection for weak teeth, restoration from broken teeth, covering a tooth with a large filling, covering a tooth after a root canal, or covering mishappened and stained teeth. Crowns are thicker than veneers, so crowns protect teeth against decay rather than assist with cosmetics most of the time.

Dental veneers, on the other hand, tend to be a cosmetic process. Veneers handle the front surface of the tooth, and most of the original tooth remains intact. Veneers may be about half the thickness of a crown. Patients may choose veneers if they have crooked teeth, mishappen teeth, or chipped and cracked teeth that do not compromise the tooth's structure.

Conclusion

Dental veneers and crowns restore a patient's smile and the function of the individual's teeth. Generally, veneers improve the appearance of teeth and solve issues with crooked or chipped teeth, whereas crowns tend to address decayed or broken teeth.

Request an appointment here: https://www.southfloridadentalarts.com or call South Florida Dental Arts at (305) 230-4041 for an appointment in our Miami office.

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