Dental crowns and veneers are popular treatment options for people who have cracked a tooth, want to make cosmetic changes to their teeth, or are looking to improve their smiles. Although both of these procedures can positively influence the appearance of a tooth, they are two different solutions that potential patients should weigh carefully.

KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN DENTAL CROWNS AND VENEERS

Dental crowns are used to cover an entire tooth. This means that every part of the tooth above the gum line is encased in porcelain, which helps strengthen the tooth and improve its appearance.

Like the name would suggest, veneers only cover the front side of a tooth. This porcelain front allows for changes in the color and shape of the tooth.

When deciding whether to opt for dental crowns or veneers, there are a few key factors to keep in mind:

THE HEALTH OF THE TEETH

Veneers are typically placed on teeth that are healthy and strong. Porcelain veneers tend to be weak and do not strengthen or otherwise alter the integrity of a tooth. Patients who have generally healthy teeth who are seeking a change in color, shape or alignment should consider porcelain veneers.

Crowns, on the other hand, are helpful for protecting teeth that are cracked or otherwise damaged. While crowns can still adjust the shape and color of a tooth, they are also able to strengthen and rebuild teeth that are severely decayed or broken. If a tooth is unhealthy, a crown is a better solution than a veneer.

THE PURPOSE OF THE PROCEDURE

Patients should consider the purpose for which they are considering either procedure, as well as the health of their teeth when making a decision between dental crowns and veneers.

For teeth that are pretty strong and only require slight cosmetic changes, veneers are probably best. Veneers are a good solution for issues that are strictly aesthetic in nature.

For broken teeth that need support or restoration, crowns are a better option. A dental crown will not only improve the way a tooth looks, but it will also rebuild the structure of a tooth and allow patients to use the tooth the way they would naturally.

If there are no underlying issues or problems with a patient’s teeth, veneers are a good treatment option. However, if a tooth is in desperate need of repair or protection, patients should choose a dental crown.

THE AMOUNT OF TOOTH REDUCTION

Veneers require less tooth reduction than dental crowns. In fact, in some situations, no trimming is needed at all. Patients who have minor cosmetic issues to fix should probably opt for a procedure that does not require much tooth reduction.

If a tooth is severely damaged, some tooth reduction can help protect the healthy parts of the tooth that remain. However, this is not ideal if the tooth is relatively healthy.

CHOOSING THE RIGHT DENTAL PROCEDURE

In order to choose the dental procedure that will work best for their own unique needs, patients should consider the purpose of the procedure, the health of their teeth and the amount of enamel trimming that will be involved.

A dentist can help provide more information and make sure patients understand the difference between veneers and dental crowns before they make a decision.