Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Is the Better Dental Restoration?

If you’re concerned about the appearance of your teeth, such as severe discoloration, gaps between teeth, unevenness, cracked, chipped, or worn down teeth, your dentist may recommend crowns and veneers to restore teeth to the desired shape and look.

While these two types of prostheses share plenty of common ground, the role of each can differ depending on your individual needs. Understanding what makes them different can empower you to decide whether either is suitable for you.

Crowns As a Dental Restoration

A crown can restore teeth to a beautiful, near-perfect shape by partially or entirely covering the tooth in question. Surrounding teeth don’t need to be prepared to accommodate crowns because the final restoration is generally larger than the tooth itself. A crown is usually acrylic, porcelain fused to metal, or porcelain fused to metal, which gives the restoration a natural appearance.

How Are Crowns Used?

Restorations are used regularly to help support weakened teeth or keep teeth in the best possible condition. Crowns can be used to cover teeth that are chipped, cracked, or badly worn down, as well as protecting and strengthening a healthy, naturally discolored tooth.

Crowns are also used as part of a more generalized cosmetic makeover. They can be used to take the hurt out of teeth that are either discolored or crooked. Not only do crowns provide a great way to restore and enhance the appearance of a discolored tooth, but they can also be used as a preventative measure to protect teeth against further discoloration and damage.

Veneers as a Dental Restoration

Veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth and can also cover teeth that have been weakened or badly damaged. They’re bonded directly to the front of the tooth and are not supported by underlying structures. Because veneers are fragile in-depth, they can be used to cover a tooth that is discolored or worn effectively. They can also be used to close gaps between teeth and improve the alignment of teeth for a more balanced smile.

When Are Veneers Used?

Veneers can provide the perfect cosmetic cap for natural teeth that have worn down over time. They can also help correct a severely discolored tooth. Veneers can also work well for teeth that have gaps between them, for teeth that are misaligned, for teeth that are too small for someone’s mouth, or for teeth that are too large for someone’s mouth.

They can also be used to straighten out an overbite or an underbite. Veneers are also the best option for covering teeth that have been severely damaged to the extent that they are no longer viable. If a patient is looking for a more dramatic change, veneers might also be a good option.

Conclusion

There are many situations where a crown and a veneer could be effective, such as after major dental trauma. A crown could be used to shore up a badly damaged tooth, while a veneer could be used to restore the tooth’s appearance. While the two dental restorations are often used for similar purposes, your dentist will be able to help you determine which is the best option for your individual situation.

Smart Dental Care offers services for all your dental needs, from cavities to dentures to whitening and beyond! We offer everything from improved x-rays to waiting room televisions for your convenience. We even have the latest endodontic technology and computers in every room to make your visit that much easier. We are proud to offer many different examples of up-to-date dental technology—all designed to make your time with us faster, more comfortable, and more efficient. If you need cosmetic dentistry services in Utah, we’ve got you covered. Call us today at 801 272 8609 to schedule an appointment.