What Are the Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers?
Santa Teresa Dental is pleased to offer a range of aesthetic restorations, including dental crowns and veneers, to deliver beautiful, healthy, and functional smiles. Even though there are many similarities between the two, there are some significant differences. Here’s a comparison between crowns and veneers and a look at what they can do for you.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a restoration that covers the entire tooth, restoring its strength, health, form, and function. At Santa Teresa Dental, we offer the best available crown materials for seamless results. Dr. Huang and his team will evaluate your unique needs and recommend the type of restoration that’s right for you.
Why Would You Require a Dental Crown?
The following are some reasons you may require a dental crown:
- To cover and support a tooth needing a large filling
- To restore a tooth that’s broken, weak, or badly damaged
- To hold together the parts of a cracked tooth
- To correct the length and strength of a severely worn-down tooth
- To protect and strengthen a tooth after a root canal treatment
- To improve the appearance of a misshapen or severely stained and discolored tooth
- To replace one or more missing teeth by covering a dental implant or holding a dental bridge in place
- To make a cosmetic modification by improving the shape, size, color, or appearance of a tooth
What Are Dental Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are wafer-thin restorations made of stain-resistant dental porcelain. These aesthetic restorations securely cover the front surfaces of teeth, instantly correcting their size, shape, color, and overall appearance with flawless results. Veneers continue to grow in popularity as a conservative and highly effective cosmetic dentistry solution.
Why Would You Require Dental Veneers?
The following are some reasons you may require dental veneers:
- To repair small tooth chips and cracks
- To cover severely stained and discolored teeth
- To close small gaps or uneven spaces between teeth
- To correct minor tooth misalignment
- To improve the appearance of misshapen teeth
- To restore teeth worn down due to constant grinding
- To lengthen short teeth
Dental Crowns vs. Veneers – The Similarities
Both dental crowns and veneers are restorations designed to improve the appearance and function of damaged teeth. They are made to closely match the color and shade of your natural teeth, delivering seamless smiles. Once applied, it’s almost impossible to tell the difference between a crown, veneer, or natural tooth.
Caring for dental crowns and veneers is the same. You’ll need to brush them daily, like any of your natural teeth, and floss to remove any plaque or food debris. Don’t forget to visit Santa Teresa Dental for your twice-a-year dental exams and cleanings to ensure your restorations stay in tip-top shape.
Dental Crowns vs. Veneers – The Differences
The most significant difference between crowns and veneers is the tooth coverage they provide. A dental crown covers the entire visible tooth structure, while a porcelain veneer is bonded to the front surfaces of a tooth. Veneers show less gum margin, making them more aesthetically pleasing than crowns.
Veneers are considered conservative restorations compared to crowns because they require the removal of less tooth structure to accommodate them. However, veneers need to be replaced after a certain number of years, while most types of crowns have the potential to last a lifetime with proper care.
Which Restoration Is Right For You?
In general, crowns are better for teeth with severe damage or large fillings, those that have undergone root canals, or teeth with compromised tooth enamel. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are best suited for cosmetic enhancements in terms of a tooth’s shape, color, size, or overall appearance.
The best way to determine the restoration that’s right for you is to consult with your trusted team at Santa Teresa Dental. We will recommend the best option for your unique needs.
Dental Crowns and Veneers Near Me
Visit Santa Teresa Dental in Morgan Hill, CA, to learn more about dental crowns and veneers and to determine the best restorative dentistry solution for your smile. Dr. Huang and his team are committed to providing quality, durable restorations for long-term healthy and beautiful smiles. Call us and schedule your appointment today!