Veneers and crowns are two types of restorative solutions that can be used to save your smile. They can both improve the appearance and function of your teeth. Because they seem to provide the same benefits, many people assume that veneers and crowns are the same thing. However, while these two treatments may seem similar, there are some major differences between them.
Whether a veneer or a crown is right for you will depend on the current condition of your teeth and the issues that you’re trying to fix. Common reasons for restoration are:
discolored teeth
chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
decayed or weakened teeth
crooked or misshapen teeth
There are many treatment options available, so it’s important to know which one may be best for you. Although they are different, both are trusted dental procedures that give great results. Here’s a look at the differences between veneers and crowns, the pros and cons of each, and how they’re used.
What’s the difference between a veneer and a crown?
The biggest difference between veneers and crowns is how they fit your tooth and the reasons behind needing them.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a very thin layer of porcelain or other materials, about 1 millimeter (mm) in thickness, that’s bonded to the front of your existing tooth. It covers only the front surface of your tooth. This tends to make veneers more aesthetically pleasing than crowns because they show less gum margin. Veneers are not as invasive as crowns, because the preparation leaves more of your original tooth intact. About half a millimeter of the enamel on the front of the tooth is ground down to roughen the surface for bonding the veneer. Some newer types of veneers don’t need as much grinding of the tooth surface. You may need a local anesthetic for this, because the grinding may be painful. For a veneer to work properly, your tooth has to have enough enamel on it for a veneer to bond to it.
What are Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that's placed over the entire tooth. It is about 2 mm in thickness and covers the whole tooth. It can be all porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), or an all-metal alloy. It completely covers the tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance. When crowns are cemented into place, they fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
A dental crown can be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking and to cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn't a lot of tooth left. Crowns can also serve the purpose of holding a dental bridge in place, covering a dental implant, or covering misshapen or badly discolored teeth. Crowns are more permanent - veneers may need to be replaced after a certain number of years, but crowns may be able to last most of your life.
Both crowns and veneers are color matched to your teeth, except for all-metal crowns.
What’s the process for getting veneers?
The dentist will make an impression of your teeth by digitally scanning or taking a mold. Depending on how much your tooth was trimmed, you may have a temporary veneer placed on the tooth until the new one is ready. When it’s ready, the permanent veneer will replace the temporary one. It will be bonded to the tooth with a special cement and hardened with an UV (ultraviolet) lamp.
There’s typically minimal movement of the tooth after the veneer is in place. But you may need to wear a night guard to protect the veneer if you grind or clench your teeth at night. Let us know if that is an issue for you.
What’s the process for getting a crown?
The dentist will make an impression of your teeth by digitally scanning or taking a mold. The dentist may place a temporary crown on your ground-down tooth so that you can use your tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. They’ll then place the permanent crown on your tooth and adjust it so that it fits perfectly and your bite is right. Then the new crown is cemented into place.
Teeth with crowns may have some movement, which can change your bite. You’ll need to have the crown adjusted if that occurs.
How do you know which option is best for you?
If your tooth has a large filling, a root canal, or is very worn or cracked, a crown is probably the best option.
If your tooth is basically intact and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, a veneer may be the best option. Veneers can also be used for minor shape corrections. If you are looking for a complete smile makeover, a combination of veneers and crowns could provide the best results.
And remember, with either veneers or crowns, it's important to practice good oral hygiene. Brushing your teeth at least twice a day, flossing daily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash will keep your smile looking healthy and bright.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Peck today and we’ll figure out the best option for you. (830) 629-8011
