If you have a damaged or injured tooth, your dentist may suggest a dental crown or dental veneer to protect the tooth enamel and cover up the damage. Both options have benefits to consider as you decide which one is right for you. Your dentist may suggest one over the other, or they may give you a choice. Knowing the difference can help you decide.
Understanding Veneers and Crowns
Dental Veneer
Veneers are thin, tooth-shaped layers bonded to teeth to enhance appearance and function. If you have teeth with uneven spacing, chips, stains, or irregular shapes, your dentist may suggest dental veneers.
To install a dental veneer on your tooth, the process starts with a consultation to examine your tooth and determine whether a veneer is the right choice.
If you decide to move forward, the dentist will prepare your tooth by shaving the tooth enamel to make space for the veneer. Once the tooth is prepared, the dentist will bond the final veneer to the tooth.
Dental Crown
A dental crown is a full cap that your dentist can place over your tooth to restore or protect the tooth from further damage. Dental crowns are installed when there is severe damage, decay, or discoloration. A dental crown can also be placed on your tooth to hold a dental bridge.
To install the dental crown, the dentist will start with an evaluation and consultation. If the dentist determines that a dental crown is right for your needs, they’ll shave down the tooth to make space for the crown.
The dentist will install a temporary crown while the permanent crown is being made. When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will call you to the office for the final placement.
Material Options for Crowns
Dental crowns can be made from many materials. The dentist will help you choose the best material for your tooth.
- Metal: Metal is long-lasting and durable. Metal crowns are also very thin and thus require minimal removal of tooth enamel. Many patients prefer metal crowns installed in the back of the mouth, where they are not visible, because metal crowns are not tooth-colored.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal: Porcelain fused to metal has the strength of metal and the look of a natural tooth. These crowns may show metal edges near the gums.
- Resin: Resin is an affordable tooth-colored option, but it wears down faster than options like porcelain or metal.
- Ceramic/Porcelain: Ceramic and porcelain options are best for front teeth because of their durability and natural appearance, but both can wear down opposing teeth.
- Pressed Ceramic: Pressed ceramic is stronger and longer-lasting than pure porcelain, with a durable core. This tooth-colored option looks entirely natural.
Benefits of Veneers and Crowns
One of the greatest benefits of dental veneers and crowns is the improved aesthetics. If you have a damaged or injured tooth, dental crowns, and veneers can make your smile whole again.
Dental crowns also offer total tooth protection, while dental veneers require less tooth alteration. Both are long-lasting and durable.
Potential Risks of Veneers and Crowns
While dental veneers and crowns offer many benefits, there are also risks to be aware of. Your dentist will likely walk you through the risks before you decide which one to install.
- Not Suitable for Everyone: Poor gum health or teeth grinding may prevent veneer use. If you suffer from bruxism or have gum disease, your dentist may suggest resolving the problem before installing a dental veneer or crown.
- Irreversible: Once placed, veneers and crowns cannot be undone. Both involve the removal of tooth enamel. Once the tooth has been shaped for the crown or veneer, there must always be a crown or veneer in place to protect the enamel.
- Wear and Damage: Although both crowns and veneers can last a long time, they do not last as long as natural teeth. Veneers can crack and must be replaced, while crowns may chip or loosen over time.
- Sensitivity and Discomfort: Crowns can cause increased tooth sensitivity or allergic reactions to materials.
Contact Us for Information About Dental Crowns or Dental Veneers
Dental crowns and veneers can restore your smile after a tooth becomes damaged or injured. The dental professionals at Weninger Dentistry can help you decide whether dental crowns or dental veneers are the right options for your teeth. To learn more about dental crowns and veneers in Tampa, Florida, contact us.