Should You Use Crowns Or Veneers To Fix Your Smile?

Posted on: 24 May 2023

When it comes to fixing the look of your smile, the two common options you can use are crowns and veneers. While both crowns and veneers can create a similar look in the end, the two methods are very different from each other. You'll definitely want to know more about both of these options so that you can pick the right one for you. 

What Are Veneers And Crowns?

Dental veneers are thin shells made out of porcelain that are fitted to the front surface of your teeth. The purpose is to only improve the appearance of your teeth by making modifications to the front surface. This allows you to change the alignment, size, shape, and color of your teeth. Veneers are often used for cosmetic problems like gaps, cracks, chips, and discoloration.

A dental crown is essentially a cap that is placed over a tooth. It will cover the entire surface, and it is best used for teeth that are damaged due to structural issues. A crown doesn't just restore the cosmetic appearance of a tooth, but it restores its function as well.

What Is The Application Process Like? 

Both veneers and crowns require making alterations to your teeth that are permanent. Dental veneers require the removal of a thin layer of enamel to make room for the thin porcelain shell. Dental crowns will require removing a large portion of the tooth so the crown can fit on top of it. This is why crowns are not typically used to fix the appearance of healthy teeth. 

Both crowns and veneers will require two trips to the dentist to have them installed. The first trip is to prepare the teeth and make a mold of them. You then will come back after the veneers or crowns are fabricated, and they will be attached to your teeth during the second appointment. However, some dentists are capable of making their own crowns and veneers on-site, and the full procedure can be done on the same day.

Which Method Is Stronger?

While both crowns and veneers are made out of durable material, a crown is going to be stronger. This is because a crown spans across the entire surface of the tooth and gives you more strength for chewing. A veneer can be quite strong but is more likely to become damaged due to it being attached to the front surface of the tooth. 

Contact a cosmetic dental office to learn more. 

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Dentistry for Kids

Anyone who provides a service specifically for the youngest among us knows that treating kids must be approached very differently from treating adults. Children are not like adult patients. They require a dental team that makes children feel safe and secure at every appointment. The pediatric dental staff also needs to understand how to work with parents as well as young patients. As a pediatric dental hygienist and a mom, I understand that specific needs of children when they are visiting the dentist. This blog will explain exactly what kids need from a dental staff and will give options for making the dental office a welcoming environment to children. We can give a whole new generation healthy smiles by making pediatric dentistry the best it can be.