Dental Veneers vs. Dental Crowns

Aperson’s smile can be a focal point of the face, giving off a positive ornegative impression to others. When teeth have imperfections, they not onlylook less than pleasing, they can also create an unhealthy environment for the othersurrounding teeth. Cosmetic dentists can help patients achieve a healthy smileby implementing dental veneersor dental crowns.

Whilethese two dental techniques are often used to correct similar dental issues,patients should be fully aware of how these two procedures differ as well asthe advantages and disadvantages of each. A knowledgeable and skilled cosmeticdentist will be able to help patients determine which procedure is right foreach unique situation.

What are veneers?

Dentalveneers are thin shells of ceramic porcelain or composite resin that areattached to the front of teeth to change the shape, length, color or size ofthe teeth. Veneers help hide dental issues such as:

• Somewhat misaligned teeth
• Teeth that have gaps
• Chipped or cracked teeth
• Uneven teeth surfaces
• Stained or discolored teeth
• Misshaped teeth
• Worn down teeth

What are theadvantages of veneers?

Veneersare appropriate for individuals whose teeth and gums are generally healthy buthave cosmetic issues. The advantages include:

• The color of veneers can be matched to the existing teeth so they blend naturally
• Porcelain veneers are stain resistant
• Less of the tooth’s enamel must be removed to apply veneers (as opposed to crowns)

What are the disadvantagesof veneers?

Veneersare not appropriate for people who have a tendency to grind or clench theirteeth because the veneers can crack or chip. Disadvantages include:

• Veneers are permanent but may need to be replaced after 5-10 years
• Teeth with veneers are still subject to tooth decay

What are dental crowns?

Dentalcrowns, or dental caps, fit over teeth that are in need of severe restoration.Teeth that are extremely weak, cracked, broken, worn down or misshaped can befixed with crowns. There are a variety of materials used to make crowns,including:

• Porcelain
• Metal
• Porcelain and metal
• Ceramic
• Resin

What are theadvantages of crowns?

Thereare different advantages of crowns, depending on the type that is used.

• Metal crowns require less removal of tooth structure to place the cap
• The color of porcelain and ceramic crowns can be matched to the color of the patient’s existing teeth
• Porcelain and ceramic crowns are stain resistant
• In general, crowns are very durable and help strengthen the underlying weak or damaged tooth

What are the disadvantagescrowns?

Again,the disadvantages depend on the type of crown.

• Metal crowns are more visible and less aesthetically pleasing
• Porcelain crowns require more removal of tooth structure to place the cap

Regardlessof which technique is used, most patients are happy with the results of dentalveneers and crowns. These strong and durable restorations can make people wantto smile again.