Dental Veneers vs. Dental Crowns

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A person's smile can be a focal point of the face, giving off a positive or negative impression to others. When teeth have imperfections, they not only look less than pleasing, they can also create an unhealthy environment for the other surrounding teeth. Cosmetic dentists can help patients achieve a healthy smile by implementing dental veneers or dental crowns.

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

What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells of ceramic porcelain or composite resin that are attached to the front of teeth to change the shape, length, color or size of the 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 The Advantages Of Veneers?
Veneers are appropriate for individuals whose teeth and gums are generally healthy but have 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 Disadvantages Of Veneers?
Veneers are not appropriate for people who have a tendency to grind or clench their teeth 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?
Dental crowns, 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 be fixed with crowns. There are a variety of materials used to make crowns, including:

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

What Are The Advantages Of Crowns?
There are 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 Disadvantages Crowns?
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

Regardless of which technique is used, most patients are happy with the results of dental veneers and crowns. These strong and durable restorations can make people want to smile again.

If you are interested in correcting a problem tooth or an entire mouthful of teeth and want to learn more about dental veneers and crowns, please visit the Colonial Dental Group website. Their highly trained and caring dentists and staff can help you determine the right dental restoration procedure for you in a free dental consultation.

Article courtesy of Colonial Dental Group.