Both veneers and crowns are commonly-used dental restoration methods. But when it comes to choosing one over the other, which one is best for you? Crowns vs veneers can be an especially difficult choice for your front teeth, considering they are the most visible in your mouth.
This article will dive into some of the differences between crowns and veneers and how they can make an aesthetic difference to your front teeth. We’ll talk about how each method works and how you can decide which option is best for your needs.
Front Teeth Crowns vs Veneers: What’s The Difference?
Whenever you go to the dentist with a broken, chipped, or cracked tooth, the dentist will start by assessing the degree of damage the tooth has suffered. Normally, for a dentist to restore a tooth, they will perform a dental filling. They may sometimes recommend covering it with a crown or a veneer to protect it from further damage. While they may recommend an appropriate option, the choice may be up to you to make. So what is the difference between the two options?
What Are Dental Crowns?
You can think of a dental crown as a “cap” placed on top of a tooth. This cap covers a tooth completely while mimicking its form, function, and appearance. This makes them ideal for cosmetic procedures while also giving a tooth extra stability and protection.
If you choose to get a dental crown, your dentist will send a mold of your existing tooth to a dental technician. They will shape a dentally-compatible material into the shape of a crown. These materials can include:
- zirconia
- ceramic
- dental composites
- metal
Once your crown is finished, the dentist will shave off a small amount of enamel from your tooth and roughen the surface to allow the crown to adhere properly to the tooth. They will then use dental cement to fasten it to your existing tooth tightly.
What Are Dental Veneers?
In contrast to crowns, dental veneers only cover the front surface of the teeth. Because of this, they are only applicable to the front teeth.
Veneers are very thin shells that adhere to the front surface of a tooth, improving its appearance. Some patients may even choose to get veneers for all eight front teeth for an immediately brighter, whiter smile. Like crowns, veneers can be constructed from a wide variety of dentally-compatible materials, such as porcelain, resin, or composite blends.
When you request veneers, a dentist will shave off some amount of the front of the tooth, to allow the veneer to stick to the surface better. However, no-prep veneers that stick directly to the enamel are also available.
Conclusion: Which One Should You Choose?
Ultimately, getting front teeth crowns vs veneers depends entirely on your dental situation. Every individual has a different tooth structure, oral health, and tooth characteristics. Your best bet is to ask your dentist to show you a demo of both the crowns and veneers. Make sure you consider their professional opinion. While no-prep veneers are convenient and easy to install, crowns are often suitable for teeth that need additional reinforcement against future damage.
With over 13 years of combined experience, Hermosa Dental uses the most advanced technology to perform safe and comfortable dental procedures for all of our patients. We’re open on weekends and offer convenient and affordable appointments. If you have any questions or concerns, we’d be happy to help you. Call us at (713) 695-3040 for our East Little York location, (832) 427-1797 for our Highway 6 location, and (281) 747-7004 for our Porter location.