Are Veneers or Crowns the Best Option for Me?

Many people have teeth with extensive flaws or damage, and many of them might be interested in what dentists can do to help them have a prettier smile. Veneers and dental crowns can both enhance your smile’s appearance by covering unsightly teeth, but one treatment or the other may be better depending on the patient’s unique situation. Here are the differences between dental crowns and veneers and a few reasons why one might be a better treatment.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin porcelain shells designed to address extensive chips, cracks, gaps, or stains that can be completed in as few as two visits. While they are considered a cosmetic treatment, they can also be used to realign a smile without orthodontics in some cases.

During the first appointment, the dentist will remove a tiny amount of enamel from the teeth being treated to make room for the veneers. They will then take impressions of the bite and attach temporary veneers to the treated teeth. The patient will then be sent on their way and the impressions will be sent to a lab so the permanent set can be manufactured. During the second appointment a few weeks later, the temporary set will be removed and the permanent ones will be cemented in place. The whole process is rendered painless by local anesthetics.

What Are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown is a cap designed to fit over a tooth damaged by injury, infection, or a dental procedure like a root canal. They are used to restore a compromised tooth to its original size and function. The process of getting them is not unlike that of getting veneers in that they are usually placed over two appointments. During the first, the dentist will apply an anesthetic, prepare the teeth to receive crowns, take a bite impression, and attach temporary crowns. The permanent crowns will be manufactured at a lab and placed at a second appointment a few weeks later.

What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Dental Crowns?

While both veneers and dental crowns can beautify a flawed smile, they are typically used for different reasons. Veneers are elective cosmetic treatments that serve primarily to transform a smile into a more visually appealing state. Dental crowns are restorative treatments that are intended to allow a compromised tooth to function normally while protecting it from further injury and infection.

Dental science has developed a variety of treatments to help patients achieve more ideal smiles. Consulting with your dentist can determine if dental crowns or veneers are right for you.

About the Author

Dr. Jeffery F. Hermen earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from The OU College of Dentistry and still furthers his training with continuing education courses. He is proud to be a member of the Oklahoma Dental Association and the Oklahoma County Dental Society. His office in Oklahoma City, OK offers general, emergency, cosmetic, and restorative dentistry such as dental crowns. To learn more about the differences between veneers and dental crowns, contact the office online or dial (405) 621-2100.