Cosmetic Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers

Cosmetic dentistry has many effective ways to give people a perfect smile. However, some of these procedures may be a bit confusing for patients because of how similar they appear to be.

This is often the case with cosmetic dental crowns and veneers. Many people confuse the two prosthetics, but in reality, they are vastly different and used for different purposes. If you’ve been thinking of enhancing your smile through veneers or dental crowns, here’s how to know which one is the better option for you.

What Are Veneers and When Are They Used?

Veneers are dental prosthetics that are bonded to the front surface of your natural teeth. They’re basically a very thin layer of porcelain that can effectively address a lot of cosmetic issues, such as:

• Severe discoloration
• Gaps between teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Small chips and cracks in the teeth, etc.

Veneers are usually used when the natural teeth are overall healthy. While they can help improve a natural tooth’s strength, this is a classic case of a cosmetic procedure.

What Are Dental Crowns and When Are They Used?

Dental crowns are artificial teeth designed to restore a damaged tooth’s full function and look. It works essentially as a cap that goes over a natural tooth.

Dental crowns can have cosmetic properties, but they are commonly used as a type of dental restoration. For instance, patients who receive a root canal often need a dental crown if the procedure needed to remove a large part of the natural tooth.

Cosmetic Dental Crowns and Veneers: a Side by Side Comparison

Still not sure which one is right for you? Then check out these major differences between the two:

• Impact on the natural tooth - Veneers only need a bit of the tooth enamel shaved to create a rough texture and allow the veneer to stick to the tooth. For dental crowns, the tooth needs to be seriously reduced in size, which is why they are not recommended for healthy teeth.
• Durability - With the right maintenance, both crowns and veneers can last for decades. However, veneers may need to be replaced more often than crowns, simply because the thin porcelain is weaker by comparison.
• Results - Veneers are a common procedure for cosmetic makeovers, meaning you can use them to change most of your teeth’s appearance. Cosmetic crowns may be used for some teeth that are damaged, but it’s very unlikely they will be used for a bigger smile makeover.

Still Unsure Which Is for You? We Can Help

The best way to know for sure how to improve the look of your smile is to see Dr. Mohammad Bawany for a cosmetic dental consultation. He will provide you with the best ways to achieve the results you want.

Book a cosmetic consultation at Tampa Smile Co. online, or call us at (801) 837-2380 today for more information.

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