Veneers vs Crowns: What’s the Difference?

Your beautiful smile should be the star of your online dating profile. But a cracked tooth can ruin your day and keep you from smiling as you mean it. What you need is a quick, affordable tooth repair.

Dentists can use either a veneer or a crown to fix a cracked tooth. But are veneers vs crowns the same thing?

Keep reading to learn more about what veneers and crowns are and how they can help in your smile makeover. Let’s begin!

The Basics of Veneers and Crowns

Veneers are thin, custom-made porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of teeth. They are often used to protect teeth from further damage and to adjust their appearance. Additionally, they help to preserve the natural tooth structure as possible.

On the other hand, a tooth crown involves removing a significant portion of the natural tooth. They are designed to fully encase the entire damaged tooth structure. Lastly, they are more appropriate for cases where the tooth is heavily damaged or decayed.

Advantages of Veneers Over Crowns

There are advantages to both, but veneers do have some unique advantages over crowns. One of the main advantages of veneers is that they require little to no tooth preparation compared to crowns.

This means they preserve more of the natural tooth structure to achieve a brighter, straighter smile. However, veneers are also much thinner than a crown, making them less noticeable.

Finally, they are a much faster solution than crowns and are usually completed within two office visits.

Disadvantages of Veneers Compared to Crowns

The main disadvantage of veneers compared to crowns is their longevity. Crowns are more durable and last a lot longer. Veneers are thinner than crowns, which makes them less durable over time.

In addition, they can chip, break, or become discolored. They are more prone to staining because they are placed over the existing tooth structure and any food or beverages that come in contact with the veneer can affect it over time.

Crowns, on the other hand, completely encase the tooth and protect the structure from staining or discoloration. So, while veneers are less expensive than crowns, they are not nearly as durable or long-lasting.

The Cost and Maintenance of Crowns vs Veneers

Crowns are typically made of a more resilient material and require an individualized shape to fit the patient’s mouth, which makes them more expensive than veneers. In addition, they require multiple visits to the dentist to outline the shape, take a mold and place the permanent crown.

In contrast, veneers typically consist of a thin layer of porcelain or plastic that is bonded to the teeth. They are a cost-efficient option because the procedure only requires one visit to the dentist and little to no maintenance.

While crowns may provide more protection for damaged teeth, veneers offer a better aesthetic solution for individuals looking to improve the shape and color of their teeth.

If you’re considering this, contact your local cosmetic dentist and get your veneers consultation now!

A Guide to the Differences of Veneers vs Crowns

These dental procedures are both excellent treatments for restoring damaged teeth. Each has its pros and cons, so it’s important to discuss the specific details with your dentist.

Knowing the difference between veneers vs crowns can help you determine which treatment is best for you. Still undecided? Contact your dentist today and get the perfect smile you deserve!

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