Glancing through our cosmetic dentistry services, you may notice two services – veneers and crowns – that appear to be very similar. While both of these cosmetic dentistry treatments have some of the same benefits, they are completely different.
Understanding the difference between veneers and crowns can help you determine which dental restoration treatment is right for your unique situation.
Taking a Closer Look at Veneers and Dental Crowns
Veneers and dental crowns are both cosmetic dental treatments that are used to improve or restore your smile. However, they differ in what they are and how they work.
Think of a dental veneer as a type of costume for your teeth. It is a small, thick layer of dental porcelain that is securely bonded to the front of your teeth. The thin layer of porcelain, which is custom designed, changes the outward appearance of your teeth. It can make teeth look whiter and brighter, longer and even correct minor imperfections like chips and cracks.
A dental crown, on the other hand, is more like a replacement tooth. It is a fitted cap that usually covers the entire outer surface of your teeth. The dental crown is customized to look and feel like your natural teeth.
Now that you understand what veneers and dental crowns are, we can now take a closer look at their similarities and differences.
Similarities Between Veneers and Dental Crowns
Some of the similarities between veneers and dental crowns include:
- Use for improving smiles – both treatments can be used to change the outward appearance of your smile
- Use for restoring the function of your teeth – both treatments can, depending upon the damage to your teeth, restore their strength and function
- Customized to match the look and appearance of your surrounding teeth – veneers and dental crowns are custom-made to blend in with your surrounding teeth.
- Used to correct the same dental problems – both treatments are commonly used to correct teeth discoloration, chips, cracks, severe decay, and broken or fractured teeth.
- Similar care – veneers and dental crowns are both cared for the same way after treatment. You brush and floss them like you would your natural teeth.
Exploring the Differences Between Veneers and Dental Crowns
Veneers and dental crowns differ in a number of ways ranging from how much of the tooth needs to be removed to how long they last. It is important to understand the differences between veneers and dental crowns as it will help you choose which treatment is right for you.
Difference #1 – Veneers are More Aesthetically Pleasing
How veneers and dental crowns are fitted to your teeth affects your outward appearance. With a dental crown, your gums may be more noticeable. This is because there needs to be enough room for the crown, which fits over the top of your tooth, to transition to your natural tooth.
With a veneer, it is placed directly onto the surface of your teeth. The smaller, thinner size of the veneer means it will show less gum.
Difference #2 – Dental Crowns Help Restore Teeth that are Damaged from Severe Decay
The health of your teeth will factor into which treatment option is right for you. With veneers, only a small portion of the surface of your teeth is removed during treatment. The rest of your tooth is left intact and provides the support the veneer needs to stay in place. If the tooth is severely damaged or its structural integrity is compromised, the veneer is unable to provide additional support and stability.
A dental crown is larger, stronger and sturdier than a veneer. This makes it ideal for correcting teeth that have been severely damaged by tooth decay. The dental crown provides additional support and stability that the damaged tooth may need.
Difference #3 – Lifespan of Veneers and Dental Crowns
With proper at-home dental care and regular professional cleanings, a dental crown can last decades. In some cases, people have dental crowns that last a lifetime.
Veneers, even with proper at-home dental care and professional cleanings, will need to be replaced every few years. On average, veneers can last approximately 5 years before needing to be replaced, but it depends upon the health of your teeth and whether there are other factors, such as teeth grinding, which can cause damage to your veneers.
Schedule a Consultation to See Which Dental Treatment is Right for You
If you are considering improving your smile with cosmetic dentistry, but are unsure if veneers or dental crowns are the right treatment for you, call our office to schedule a consultation with our experienced dental team.
It is important to us here at Pike & Valega, DDS that you will choose the dental treatment that will not only give you the smile you want, but one that corrects any dental problems that may be present. During your consultation, we will conduct an oral exam and may even take x-rays and other imaging. This gives us a better understanding of your oral health and any clinical needs, such as cavities or gum disease, which may need to be addressed before undergoing treatment.
After your exam, we will speak with you to better understand your smile goals. We want to better understand what you like about your smile, what you don’t like and what you would like to correct. We will use the information you provide to determine which dental treatments to recommend.
Once we understand your smile goals and have a better understanding of your oral health, we will provide you with customized treatment plans. We will explain our treatment plans and help you understand the pros and cons of each treatment option. It is important to us that our patients make informed decisions regarding their dental care, so we encourage our patients to ask any and all questions they may have about cosmetic dentistry and their treatment plans.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Rockville dental office or our Poolesville dental office. We look forward to helping you find the right dental treatment that will allow you to achieve your smile goals.