Crowns and veneers are both popular dentistry choices, but they are quite different. Crowns are restorations that are fitted to cover the entire natural tooth, whereas veneers are cosmetic dentistry treatments that are bonded firmly to just the visible sides of the teeth. It can be tricky figuring out which dentistry treatments will help you get the smile you want.
“When patients first come in for a consultation, we perform a thorough examination before developing a customized set of treatment recommendations,” explains Dr. Nick of Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry.
A quick look at dental crowns and porcelain veneers
Dental crowns are durable caps that are bonded firmly to a reduced natural tooth. They look just like the white part of the natural tooth. Since they are bonded in place, they are not removable like dentures. Dental crowns may be applied for both cosmetic and restorative purposes. For restorative purposes, dental crowns may be used to protect a tooth that has been substantially weakened due to disease or physical trauma. After a root canal, for example, patients require a crown. A crown is also appropriate when patients have sustained tooth fractures or have severely worn down teeth. Dental crowns also have cosmetic benefits. Since your dentist will carefully shape and shade the crown, it will blend in seamlessly with the rest of your teeth, supporting a flawless smile.
In contrast, porcelain veneers are applied purely for cosmetic purposes. Veneers are wafer-thin applications of porcelain. Like crowns, they are individually shaped and shaded to complement the patient’s smile. However, they do not fit over the entire tooth. Instead, they are firmly affixed to just the visible sides. Porcelain veneers instantly camouflage imperfections like stubborn discoloration, misshapen teeth, uneven teeth, and gaps between teeth.
How dental crowns and veneers are made
Before receiving either veneers or crowns, the dentist must make impressions of the patient’s teeth. Then, the impressions are sent to a lab to custom-make the dental veneers. The dentist performs the final adjustments before bonding them to the teeth.
Most dental offices have to send impressions to a lab to have dental crowns made. But some state-of-the-art dental clinics like Long Island Implant and Cosmetic Dentistry in Rocky Point have invested in CEREC technology, which allows them to fabricate custom-made crowns right in the office. This means there is no need to return to the office for a second visit to fit the crown—the patient can receive the permanent restoration during the first appointment. As an added bonus, crowns made with the CEREC machine are known to be more durable than other types.
Get your perfect smile!
Dr. Nick and Dr. Elliot are widely renowned experts in the fields of implantology and cosmetic dentistry. When you visit our state-of-the-art dental clinic, you’ll get the personalized attention and in-depth patient education you deserve. We’ll walk you through all of your options, which might include custom-made CEREC crowns or finely crafted porcelain veneers. Call us today to schedule a consultation!
More “crowns vs. veneers” resources:
- Colgate, Your Dental Crown Procedure: What to Expect, http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/cosmetic-dentistry/bridges-and-crowns/article/your-dental-crown-procedure-what-to-expect-0113
- WebMD, Dental Health and Veneers, http://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/veneers#1
