Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: What’s the Difference?

If you want to restore and enhance the look of your smile, you have two great options – dental crowns or veneers. But in order to get the most from your new look, it’s important to understand the differences between these two options. This quick guide will make it easy to find the best choice for you.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is covering often made of porcelain that is designed to hide damaged and unsightly teeth while making each tooth stronger. The crowns are the same color and shape as your natural teeth, so once the procedure is complete the work is invisible.

Why Get a Dental Crown?

It’s common for a smile to change over time. Things like teeth grinding, tooth decay, cracked fillings, root canals, and simple age can all change the way your teeth look. Dental crowns are designed to repair this damage when a normal filling is inadequate. Three different types of dental crowns are available:

• Porcelain – Typically used for the front teeth, these crowns perfectly mimic the look of your natural teeth.
• Gold – Typically used for back teeth, this type of crown is especially strong and durable.
• Porcelain-Fused-To-Metal – This type of crown can be used throughout the mouth and offers the natural look of porcelain and the strength of the metal.

What are Veneers?

A veneer is a thin layer of ceramic or composite resin tooth-colored filling material that is applied over the tooth to improve its color and shape. A small amount of enamel is removed beforehand to improve the bond between the veneer and the tooth, but otherwise, the procedure is permanent and has no effect on your oral health.

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Why Get a Veneer?

Veneers are designed to correct some of the most common problems that compromise the look of your smile – discoloration, chipped or broken teeth, gaps, and misalignments. There are two types of veneers available:

• Indirect Veneer – This type of veneer is fabricated in a dental laboratory out of either porcelain or resin. Porcelain is better at hiding stains, but resin is easier to apply and less invasive. Both options are strong and long-lasting and require two visits to the dentist’s office.
• Direct Veneer – This type of veneer is made of composite resin and is applied directly to your teeth by a dentist. This option is more time and labor intensive and produces less predictable results than indirect veneers.

MyOrthodontist Can Help You With Dental Crowns and Veneers

Still unsure about dental crowns vs. veneers? The easiest way to find the right option for you is to consult with a dentist. Make your appointment at MyOrthodontist today.

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