Porcelain Veneers vs Dental Crowns

Veneers and dental crowns are two types of restorative solutions used to save your smile. They both help improve the function and appearance of your teeth. Because they seem to offer the same benefits, many assume crowns and veneers are the same.

Although these two treatments seem similar, they have several major differences. We’ll help you determine which dental restoration method suits you. Here is the difference between porcelain veneers and crowns, when each method should be used, and how they work.

What are Porcelain Veneers?

These dental veneers are made from thin layers of stain-resistant dental porcelain. They are about one millimeter thick. Although porcelain veneers are a non-invasive and cosmetic dentistry option, the procedure leaves most of one’s existing tooth intact. Our dentist in Garrettsville, OH, custom designs the veneers for every patient to securely cover the tooth’s front surface.

Your dentist grinds down about half a millimeter of the enamel on the front of the tooth to prepare it for a porcelain veneer. This makes it easier for the dental veneer to bond as the cement sticks best to a rougher surface. However, the amount of enamel that your dentist needs to fill down varies depending on the type of veneer. Therefore, dental veneers are placed on teeth with plenty of existing enamel.

What are Dental Crowns?

A dental crown helps cover the entire tooth completely. This means that more of the tooth needs to be filed down before a dental crown is placed. In addition, dental crowns help restore teeth that are badly damaged by cracks, decay, or fractures.

If the decay is the reason, one needs a dental crown; the dentist in Garrettsville Dental Group needs to remove the decayed part. They also rebuild some of the teeth so they can support the crown. Dental crowns are molded from porcelain or porcelain fused to a metal alloy or an all-metal alloy. Then, your dentist fabricates the crown to fit over your tooth and cements it in place.

Veneers vs Crowns: How are They Similar?

Both porcelain and crowns are dental treatments that improve the function and appearance of teeth. They are normally used to restore teeth that are damaged, whether crooked, discolored, chipped, broken, or decayed.

Veneers and dental crowns are designed to match the color of the natural teeth, except for all metal crowns. This helps give one a seamless and complete smile. However, once the dentist applies them, it isn’t easy to know the difference between a crown and a veneer. This is because they’ll have a similar effect on your smile.

You’ll have to care for both veneers and crowns the same way. In addition, you should brush your teeth twice daily and floss to remove food particles. Visiting your dentist regularly is also needed for professional cleaning and to check the restorations.

Veneers vs Crowns: How are They Different?

The main difference between porcelain veneers and crowns is how they fit in one’s tooth and the reason behind needing them. For example, a dental veneer near you is bonded to the front surface of the tooth, while a crown covers the entire tooth. This makes veneers more aesthetically pleasing than dental crowns because they show less gum margin.

Dental crowns are thicker than porcelain veneers. The crowns are two millimeters thick, and the veneers are one millimeter. Dental crowns are more permanent. Porcelain veneers need to be replaced after some years, but crowns may last most of your life.

Is a Veneer or Crown Right for Me?

Since porcelain veneers and crowns seem to offer the same function, you may think they are used interchangeably, which is not true. Your dentist Ravenna in recommends one dental treatment option over the other, depending on your specific situation. For example, dental crowns are the best option if your tooth has a large filling, is much damaged or has undergone a root canal. This’s because the tooth enamel is more compromised and needs better protection.

On the other hand, dental veneers in Garrettsville, OH, are the best option for purely cosmetic purposes. Veneers will do if your tooth is intact and requires minor shape correction. Also, if you need an improved appearance, your dentist will recommend porcelain veneers.