Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Is Right for Me?
The Smile Center has helped the people of Virginia Beach, VA, smile with confidence for 35 years. We’ve done this using dental crowns to cap damaged teeth as well as dental veneers to conceal cosmetic imperfections.
Both crowns and veneers are versatile and effective, but you may be wondering if one option is better than the other.
Our team would like to compare crowns and veneers for you. We’ll go over the basics and then let you know why you might need crowns instead of veneers and vice versa.
What Is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are caps that are used to protect a tooth that is compromised by severe decay or damage.
Thanks to CEREC® technology, we can create a custom crown at the office that is color-matched to the rest of your teeth. This is more convenient and aesthetically pleasing than the metal crowns of the past that needed to be fashioned by an offsite technician at a dental lab.
What Is a Veneer?
A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell that is used to conceal cosmetic problems that affect the front teeth. With a veneer in place, your front teeth will look pristine.
Just a little bit of tooth structure needs to be removed to place a veneer. Once in place, the veneer looks just like your natural teeth.
When Are Crowns a Better Option Than Veneers?
Crowns are typically a better choice when a patient’s teeth are severely worn down or damaged. Dental crowns are predominantly a restorative solution, protecting a compromised tooth from extraction.
Since we offer tooth-colored crowns, we have used them as cosmetic and restorative dental care solutions at our Virginia Beach office. For instance, we can treat deep-set tooth discoloration with a crown if the cause of the stain is internal or will not respond to professional teeth whitening.
When Are Veneers a Better Option Than Crowns?
Veneers are typically a better choice when a patient has cosmetic issues affecting the front teeth. This includes the following aesthetic flaws that do not impact overall oral health:
- Small chips
- Slight cracks
- Dental stains
- Minor gaps
- Tooth asymmetry
- Minor misalignment
If you have flaws that affect teeth other than your front teeth, veneers will not be a viable option for treatment. Similarly, we may recommend Invisalign® clear aligners for dental misalignments instead of veneers if you are in need of proper orthodontic care.
Can Veneers and Crowns Be Combined?
Yes! By combining veneers and crowns, our team can give your smile a total makeover. This is a good option for complicated issues that affect the health and appearance of multiple teeth.
We Can Examine Your Teeth and Help You Understand What’s Best
There are many factors that determine the right treatment for a patient’s needs. The best way to find out if veneers or crowns are right for you is to stop by our office for a consultation. We can assess the state of your teeth and offer suggestions on what you can do.
We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that fits your goals and your budget.
Set Up a Dental Visit with Us Today
To learn which dental treatment may be best for you, set up a consultation at our Virginia Beach office. We can review crowns and veneers with you in more detail.
