If you’ve chipped or broken a tooth, chances are you want to get it repaired as soon as possible. But a quick internet search leaves you wondering which treatment is right. Will you need a dental crown or a porcelain veneer? And what’s the difference between the two? While your dentist will be able to recommend the proper treatment after an evaluation you can still research your options now.
First, let’s begin by discussing how dental crowns and dental veneers are similar. These cosmetic dentistry restorations are both made from incredibly strong and life-like materials. They’re personalized to your smile so that it’ll look like you never broke or chipped a tooth, though they do require a portion of tooth enamel to be removed. They also both resist staining and cannot become decayed, though the surrounding natural teeth and gums can. You can brush and floss as usual with these restorations, but you’ll want to visit your dentist regularly to make sure your smile as a whole is healthy and strong. Now let’s talk about what makes dental veneers and dental crowns different.
Contrasting dental crowns and veneers
Dental crowns are tooth-colored “caps” that are custom-designed to fit perfectly over a broken or damaged tooth. These restorations are reserved for more extreme cases, such as if a tooth has undergone a root canal or has a cavity too large to be treated with a traditional filling. Dental crowns are also used to restore a dental implant to replace a tooth that cannot be saved with more conservative measures. While dental crowns can be used to cap any tooth, they’re often used for back molars where strength and durability need to be restored.
Dental veneers are thin shells of porcelain that cover the front surface of teeth. They are personalized to restore proper shape, color, and size to a tooth. For a veneer to function properly, you must have a healthy tooth that can have a small layer of enamel removed. Generally, porcelain veneers are most used to hide chips, gaps, discoloration, or worn-down teeth. These restorations are often used to improve the appearance of the “aesthetic zone” or the teeth that show when you smile.
Schedule your appointment
Make an appointment with our local cosmetic dentist to learn which treatment is right for you.