Can Mouthguards Straighten Teeth?
Patients have more options than ever when it comes to achieving the perfect smile. Advancements in dentistry now allow us to improve the look of your teeth and address issues such as crookedness, crowding and damage due to decay.
Crowns and veneers are common treatments for a range of oral health issues. These two procedures both allow a dentist to fix teeth and improve their appearance, but each one serves its own purpose.
In this article we’ll compare veneers vs crowns to see how they differ and which option is right for you.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are a cosmetic treatment that involves placing a thin cap over the front of your teeth. This can dramatically change the size, shape and look of your teeth.
While they’re cosmetic in nature, dental veneers can also be used to address issues such as crowded, crooked or broken teeth, stained teeth, and teeth with excessive gaps.
Dental veneers are typically made from one of two materials:
Composite. Composite veneers are made from dental composites – the same material that’s used to create fillings. The major benefit is that composite is easy to work with. In most cases, we can install composite veneers in a single visit, so you can get the smile you want sooner.
The trade off is that composite veneers tend to stain over time, particularly if you smoke. They also need to be replaced every 5-8 years.
Porcelain. Porcelain veneers are cut from dental porcelain that looks just like your natural teeth. During your visit, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth that will be used to create your veneers. Creating porcelain veneers may take several weeks, and it’s usually handled by a specialist dental lab.
Dental porcelain is much tougher than composite. Porcelain veneers are very stain-resistant and can last up to 20-25 years with proper care.
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over your natural tooth. This is typically done to restore a tooth that’s decayed, cracked or damaged. Crowns serve a similar function to normal fillings. But, instead of filling a small hole, the crown covers the entire biting surface of the tooth to restore its function.
Crowns can be used to repair damaged teeth while restoring their natural look. This can delay or prevent the need to extract teeth that are decayed.
It’s common to place dental crowns on individual teeth that have become damaged. In more extreme cases, crowns can be used with dental implants to entirely replace one or more teeth (including missing teeth). Replacing missing teeth with implants and crowns is a major procedure that should only be considered after consulting with your dentist.
Veneers vs Crowns
As you can see, veneers and crowns perform two distinct roles in dentistry. There are several major differences to consider:
Crowns are intended to improve the look and function of your teeth. Veneers are mostly a cosmetic procedure, but they can improve function and reduce issues like tooth crowding.
Crowns may cost more than veneers, depending on the number of teeth you need to treat.
Veneers only cover the front face of the tooth, while crowns are intended to replace the entire biting surface.
Veneers are only suitable for natural teeth. Crowns can be applied to natural teeth or to a dental implant, making them suitable as a replacement for missing teeth.
Crowns are typically applied to molars and premolars. Veneers are usually applied to your front teeth.
Which is Right for Me?
Crowns and veneers are both substantial dental procedures. In general, we only recommend crowns to patients with teeth that are damaged, decayed or cracked. Crowns are intended to restore the function of your teeth while maintaining the appearance of your smile, and they are not considered cosmetic dentistry.
On the other hand, veneers are primarily a cosmetic procedure. They’re designed to improve the appearance of your smile. If you’re unhappy with your smile, veneers, braces, invisible aligners and teeth whitening are some of the ways your dentist can help.
Getting veneers is a major procedure and you should be aware that your veneers will need to be replaced at regular intervals. This may affect your tooth and gum health in the long term.
Restore Your Smile to Perfect Condition with Camira Dental!
Crowns and veneers are both excellent options if you want to improve the look and function of your teeth. However, the two procedures serve very different purposes, so it’s important to speak to Camira Dental before seeking treatment.
Camira Dental is an experienced dental practice based in Ipswich. We provide a comprehensive range of dental services, including crowns, veneers and cosmetic dentistry. Our team has decades of experience, so we can offer advice and services that will have your smile looking perfect in no time.
If you’re concerned that you may need a crown, or if you’d like to find out more about veneers, book an appointment. Our dentists will provide a consultation and all the information you’ll need to make a decision about your oral health!