Should I Get Dental Crowns or Veneers?

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 step up 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.

According to Hawthorne East Dental, placing a crown requires anywhere from 63% to 76% of the tooth to be trimmed. If a tooth is severely damaged, this 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.

Request an appointment here: http://www.hendersonfamilydentistry.com or call Henderson Family Dentistry at (903) 657-3139 for an appointment in our Henderson office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Google: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Common Dental Restoration Procedures

Getting the right dental restoration can improve your appearance and dental health. Your dentist will discuss the possible procedures that will fit your needs. Knowing more about these treatments can help you prepare for your next visit. Here are the common dental restoration procedures available.These restorations can be tooth-colored porcelain, gold, or composite material. This…

The Benefits Of Seeing A Same Day Dentist For Dental Emergencies

A same-day dentist offers an efficient and effective solution for emergency dental issues. Dental emergencies can happen at any time, and it is important to get help quickly when they do. Instead of waiting for days or weeks to see a dentist, a same-day dentist provides care right away, helping to reduce pain and prevent…

How A Dental Restoration Can Improve Your Oral Health

Your dentist can suggest a dental restoration that can help meet your dental needs. You may need one procedure or a combination of procedures to achieve your goal. It may take some time to finish specific treatments. Others may take one visit. Each one can help improve your oral health and even your general health.…

Dental Restoration Or Cosmetic Dental Procedure

There appears to be some overlap between dental restorations and cosmetic dentistry. However, people need to know the difference between the two because dental insurance may cover a dental restoration but not a cosmetic procedure. This article examines the key differences between the two types of dentistry and provides examples of each.The primary difference between…