Dental restorations are treatments that repair or improve the function and appearance of teeth. When teeth are affected by decay, injury, or cosmetic concerns, a dentist can use various methods to restore their structure and appearance. Among the most common restorative options are crowns and veneers, each serving distinct purposes based on a patient’s dental needs. Here’s more information on the differences between these two treatments:
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength while improving its appearance. Once it is set into place with cement, a crown fully encases the visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line. Crowns can be made from several materials, including:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Metal Alloys
- Porcelain-fused-to-metal
- Zirconia
Dental professionals use crowns for several reasons. They can protect a weak tooth from breaking, and they can hold together parts of a cracked tooth. Crowns can also restore a tooth that is already broken or has been severely worn down. These restorations can cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of natural tooth left. Dental crowns also hold dental bridges in place and can cover a dental implant.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials that cover the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance. These shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, changing their color, shape, size, or length. Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite resin materials, but porcelain veneers resist stains better than resin veneers.
Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, like issues affecting the front teeth. They can correct a range of aesthetic concerns, from discoloration to minor misalignments, but they are not intended to add strength to a tooth. The process of placing veneers is often more conservative than placing a crown.
Who Is a Candidate?
The choice between a veneer and a crown depends on the condition of your teeth and your goals. A thorough dental evaluation is necessary to determine the most suitable option for your unique needs. Selecting crowns or veneers depends on your oral condition and your functional and structural needs.
Candidates for Veneers
Veneers are often selected for patients whose primary goal is to improve the appearance of their front teeth. Individuals with sufficient tooth enamel and generally healthy teeth may be recommended for this procedure. Good candidates for veneers typically have cosmetic concerns such as chips, small gaps between teeth, or intrinsic discoloration that does not respond to whitening treatments. Their bite must be stable, as veneers are not for added structural support.
Candidates for Crowns
Crowns are often recommended when a tooth has sustained structural damage or has undergone extensive dental treatment. A patient with a heavily filled tooth may need a crown to provide strength and prevent fracturing. Structurally, crowns help to distribute the forces exerted during biting and chewing evenly, preventing undue stress on weakened areas. These restorations are custom-designed to replicate the natural shape and alignment of the original tooth.
Schedule an Appointment
Deciding between a veneer and a crown requires professional guidance, as each option serves a different function and is suited for different scenarios. To determine which treatment is best for your teeth, schedule a consultation with a dentist today. A comprehensive examination allows you to discuss your goals with a professional, helping them create an effective treatment plan.