Are you looking for a way to transform your smile? If you want to change the shape or color of your teeth, you might need veneers or crowns.
Both these cosmetic products are integral parts of a smile makeover, but each differs in the way they restore your teeth.
The fundamental difference between veneers vs. crowns is quite simple. Crowns cover your entire tooth while veneers sit on the tooth’s front surface, which is the side people see when you smile.
We’ll show you the difference between veneers vs. crowns and how to make the right decision for your smile.
When to Choose Veneers
Veneers are wafer-thin pieces of porcelain that cosmetic dentists apply directly to the front of your teeth. Most porcelain veneers are only one millimeter thick, which allows them to sit naturally on your teeth. Even though they’re thin, they last for decades as long as you brush and floss regularly.
Because veneers sit on the front of your teeth, they are simpler to fit. Generally, that means you need minimal tooth trimming compared to crowns. Your dentist might grind the front of your tooth where the bond will fit, but some veneer techniques work without any tooth reduction at all.
When are veneers a good idea?
Veneers work best when you want to make minor or moderate changes to your smile. They’re best to making slight to modest color shade changes or minor shape adjustments.
You’ll also find veneers work best when applied to reasonably healthy teeth because the veneers rely on sturdy tooth structure rather than compensating for compromised teeth the way crowns do.
What About Crowns?
Crowns cover your entire existing tooth, which means they require more fitting for the perfect placement. A crown is also thicker, usually two millimeters, than veneers.
Because of these two factors, your dentist will need to match your tooth structure to the crown, which may mean a significant amount of grinding and trauma to the tooth. You may lose as much as 60 to 75 percent of your existing tooth to place the crown.
The tooth reduction means that once you choose a crown, you will always need a crown on that tooth unless or until you opt for a tooth extraction.
However, crowns also offer more comprehensive replacements for teeth that are:
- Broken
- Decayed
- Discolored
- Mis-shapen
Although crowns are a cosmetic procedure, they are also a restorative treatment. Dentists recommend crowns over veneers when you want to rebuild your smile, strengthen your existing teeth, and protect the rest of your mouth from trauma.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Your Perfect Smile Options
The difference between veneers vs. crowns is primarily in their shape but extends to their use.
Veneers work best when you have otherwise healthy teeth, and you want to improve the shape or color. Crowns are a restorative treatment that replaces broken and decayed teeth to replenish your healthy smile.
Are you wondering whether crowns or veneers is the best option for your teeth? Schedule your new patient consultation and start your journey to the perfect smile today.