When it comes to enhancing the appearance of teeth, both veneers and crowns have an advantage. But they serve different purposes when it comes to functionality. Choosing between veneers and crowns depends on various factors, such as health and the need for aesthetic enhancement. Before you decide which dental clinic services are right for you, let’s learn more about their differences and similarities.
What Are Dental Veneers?
The dentist places these thin coverings over the visible part of the teeth. It is made of stain-resistant porcelain material that matches the colour of your natural teeth and is set through a non-invasive cosmetic dentistry procedure. It leaves most of your teeth intact and is generally implemented when unevenly spaced, broken, chipped or shaped irregularly. Since they are custom-made, they are placed securely over the front of the teeth after grinding the enamel to make bonding easier.
What Are Dental Crowns?
As opposed to veneers, a dental crown covers the entire tooth surface till the gumline and as such more of the tooth needs to be filed down before they can be placed. Usually, crowns are needed to protect weak teeth from decay, restore a cracked, broken, or severely damaged tooth, secure a dental bridge, and cover a discoloured tooth. It can be made of metal, a combination of porcelain and metal, resin, ceramic, only porcelain, or pressed ceramic. Once the tooth is filed down, a temporary crown may be placed while the custom-made permanent is designed.
How Are Veneers & Crowns Similar?
While veneers and dental crowns are meant to improve the visual appearance of the teeth, they are typically used for damaged, decayed, or discoloured teeth. Both are custom-made to match the colour and shape of the person’s natural tooth for a seamless, complete and radiant smile. It’s difficult to tell the difference between them once they are placed since they look similar and require the same care.
What’s The Difference Between Veneers & Crowns?
Although the two are almost identical, one is necessary for functionality and health purposes- the other is entirely elective. Crowns are full coverage restorations that cover the entire tooth to seal it underneath. A crown is necessary in cracked, decayed teeth or one with a root canal to keep it functioning as usual. Otherwise, the tooth will eventually deteriorate and will have to be extracted.
Veneers are only bonded to cover the front side of your teeth and hide the natural teeth behind them. It is only meant to make your teeth look better and not provide structural reinforcement. They might need to be replaced after some years, but crowns can last most of your life.
How Do You Know If A Crown Or A Veneer Is Right For You?
Dental veneers and crowns cannot be used interchangeably. When you consult your dentist, they develop a specific treatment strategy based on the best option for you. If your tooth is damaged, has a large filling, or has undergone a root canal treatment, you might need a dental crown since the tooth enamel will require better protection. Veneers are purely for cosmetic purposes and are used when the tooth is mainly intact and only requires minor changes for improvement.
In most cases, both veneers and crowns are made of similar materials, and you can extend your life with proper dental care, such as regular brushing and flossing. You can also use a nightguard to prevent any chances of nocturnal grinding or bruxism. You can consult a dentist who thoroughly examines your teeth and analyses your needs to provide the best dental care. If you are looking for a dental clinic in South Delhi with professional dentists you can trust, contact us at Kamal Dental Clinic.