While veneers and dental crowns may appear similar, they serve distinct functions. The key distinction is that veneers only cover the front of a tooth and are primarily used for enhancing appearance, while dental crowns cover the entire tooth and are used to restore its shape and improve its durability.
Let us break it down if you are going to get veneers or crowns.
What Is a Veneer?
Dental veneers, or porcelain veneers, are custom-made, tooth-colored shells that are thin and adhere to the front surface of teeth to enhance appearance.
The shells can alter the color, shape, size, or length of teeth and are made from wafer-thin materials.
It’s crucial to evaluate the different kinds of dental veneers crafted from either porcelain or resin composite materials. They are commonly known as porcelain veneers or composite veneers.
Veneers are used to fix teeth that are discolored from:
- Root canal treatment
- Staining caused by tetracycline or other medications
- Excessive exposure to fluoride
- Veneers can effectively repair teeth that are worn, chipped, broken, misaligned, or have gaps.
To get dental veneers, you typically require three dentist visits. The first visit involves meeting the dentist. In the second visit, the dentist examines your teeth to see if veneers are suitable and discusses the process. Your tooth is reshaped to prepare for the veneer. Temporary veneers may be put on in the meantime. When the permanent veneer arrives, the dentist checks the fit and color, trimming as needed for proper positioning before cementing it to your tooth.
Pros of Veneers:
Dental veneers offer multiple benefits, such as:
- They offer a natural-looking appearance that is similar to natural teeth.
- Porcelain is well-tolerated by the gums, and veneers are resistant to stains.
- Additionally, color options are available to make dark teeth appear whiter.
Cons: While veneers have many advantages, there are some risks also:
- Once the procedure is completed, it cannot be reversed.
- The removal of enamel can cause increased sensitivity of your tooth to hot or cold food and beverages.
- The shade of veneers might not match your natural teeth perfectly, and once they are placed, their color cannot be altered.
- Though uncommon, veneers can become dislodged or fall off.
- Additionally, even with veneers, there is a risk of decay.
- Veneers aren’t a good option if you suffer from gum disease or decay.
- People who clench or grind their teeth are not ideal candidates for veneers.
What Is a Crown?
A tooth cap called a dental crown is put on your whole tooth. It can hide the tooth and fix its shape, size, and strength, and also make it look better.
Procedure:
Getting a dental crown requires two dentist visits. On the first visit, X-rays check the tooth’s roots and bone. If needed, a root canal may be done first. The dentist then numbs the tooth and reshapes it to accommodate the crown, removing tooth structure as needed. If the tooth lacks sufficient structure, filling material is used to rebuild it for crown support. Next, impressions or scans are taken of the prepared tooth and surrounding teeth to ensure proper bite with the new crown. The impressions are sent to a lab that manufactures the crown over 2-3 weeks. The dentist makes a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth in the interim. During the next visit, the dentist will remove the temporary crown, the permanent crown is checked for fit and color, the tooth is numbed, and the new crown is cemented in place.
Pros of Dental Crown:
Dental crowns provide solutions to various problems, such as:
- Restores a tooth that has decayed extensively.
- Conceals a dental implant.
- Holding together a tooth that is severely cracked or broken.
- Enhancing a tooth’s appearance by altering its shape or color.
- Crowns are a long-lasting solution and can last up to 15 years based on maintenance.
Cons:
There are risks and complications that you should consider while getting dental crowns:
- After getting a crown, your teeth may become sensitive to hot or cold temperatures.
- Porcelain crowns, in particular, can easily chip.
- If the crown is not securely cemented, it can become loose or even fall out.
- Although rare, some individuals might have an allergic reaction to the metal in certain crowns.
- If your gums around the crown become sore, irritated, or start to bleed, it may be an indication of gingivitis or gum disease.
Conclusion: Whenever you make a choice between crowns or veneers, remember that the goal is to improve the smile and functionality of the teeth.
Veneers are the answer when you are considering cosmetic improvements; however, crowns are considered when there is a lot of decay in the tooth.
So, if you are weighing the best option for you, consult your dentist. Visit Versailles Dental Clinic in Dubai to get safe and high-quality dental treatment for dental procedures.
