Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are both teeth restoration treatments. They improve the appearance of your teeth and support all forms of damage. They serve both cosmetic and restorative purposes.
However, that doesn’t mean these treatments can be used interchangeably. Porcelain veneers are a much better option in some circumstances and dental crowns are a better choice in others. It all depends on the condition of the patient’s natural teeth and their requirements.
Our dentist will explain the pros and cons of both these treatment options. That will help you make an informed decision about your teeth. At Rod W. Gore, we want patients to be completely satisfied with their smile. Here’s a brief look at porcelain veneers and dental crowns:
1. Thickness
One of the biggest differences between porcelain veneers and dental crowns is the thickness of the prosthetic. Veneers are wafer-thin. They remain flush against the front of your teeth and are nearly undetectable. Porcelain imitates the natural color of the teeth so you don’t even notice the difference when it is on.
Dental crowns are much thicker. They surround the entire tooth instead of just being placed on its surface. Crowns are more structurally sound as the material used in the prosthetic is thicker.
2. Tooth Loss
Both treatments require some amount of natural tooth loss. The prosthetic veneer or crown replaces the removed dental matter to fit in with your natural teeth. As veneers are thinner, they require less natural teeth loss. The dentist will only remove a small portion of the front teeth to create space. The veneer then gets affixed easily. There is no need to access the core or the back of the tooth when installing veneers. That’s one of the reasons why veneers are preferred by many. There’s less natural teeth loss.
Crowns are thicker and require more space. The dentist has to remove anywhere between 60% and 75% of the natural tooth enamel. They need to file the tooth down to the core before installing the crown. This means there’s 2 to 4 times as much tooth loss in this procedure. Most patients choose dental crowns only if veneers aren’t an option for them.
3. Purpose of the Treatment
Veneers are primarily used for aesthetic purposes. They can disguise small imperfections like small cracks, discoloration, staining, etc. and can also be a protective measure. They can protect your natural teeth from staining, discoloration, or similar minor damage. Many patients choose veneers because they retain their appearance for a long time. There’s no need for repeated whitening appointments.
Dental crowns are used for serious tooth damage. Dentists recommend this treatment when there’s excessive damage to the natural tooth. These prosthetics are recommended if the tooth has a large crack, deep cavity, or excessive chipping. If the tooth has a deep cavity, dental crowns can cover it, give the natural teeth some much-needed structure, and keep the root intact.
It is apparent that both porcelain veneers and dental crowns are used in different circumstances.
4. Both are Permanent
While porcelain veneers cause less damage to the natural teeth, they are still just as permanent as dental crowns. You will need to replace both veneers and crowns if they’re damaged. You can’t leave the natural teeth exposed. Veneers are designed to last for a long time, but you might still have to replace them after 10 years. Both treatments require regular dental checkups and careful maintenance. Replacing them in a timely fashion will keep the underlying tooth in good shape.
As you can see, there are a lot of differences between dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Your dentist will examine your teeth carefully and determine which option is ideal for you.
If you want to know more about dental crowns and porcelain veneers, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at Rod W. Gore. You can call at 480 585 6225 or contact us directly.