Veneers vs. Dental Crowns
Lincoln Park, NJ
 Veneers and crowns are popular dental treatments that restore the appearance and function of damaged and discolored teeth.
Both restorations serve a similar purpose, but there are several differences between the two in application, material, durability, and the preparation required. Understanding these differences helps our patients choose the best option for their individual needs.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers (also called teeth veneers) are thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that cover the fronts of teeth. Each veneer is custom designed to match the patient's natural teeth.
They are used to improve the appearance of teeth affected by discoloration, chips, cracks, or misalignment. Veneers offer a minimally invasive solution to enhance the look of a patient's smile with minimal alteration to their natural teeth.
Veneers Pros and Cons
One of the key advantages of veneers is their ability to provide a natural looking result. Porcelain veneers mimic the translucency and texture of natural tooth enamel. This creates a seamless integration with the remaining natural teeth. Composite resin veneers don't offer quite the same level of realism, but still provide cosmetic improvements.
Another benefit of veneers is that they require less tooth preparation. Crowns require substantial reduction of the tooth's structure, but veneers require less removal of enamel. This preserves more of the natural tooth. Less enamel removal improves the longevity of the tooth, and minimizes the risk of sensitivity.
However, veneers are not suitable for teeth with extensive damage or structural weakness. Veneers are designed for cosmetic improvements only. Also, veneers can't withstand as much bite force as crowns. This makes them unsuitable for patients with habits that exert a lot of pressure on the teeth.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns (also called tooth crowns) encase the entire visible portion of a tooth above the gum line. Veneers only cover the front of the tooth.
Crowns provide total coverage and support for extensively damaged or weakened teeth. They are commonly fabricated from porcelain fused to metal, ceramic, or metal alloys.
Our in-house lab in Lincoln Park NJ offers same day, or CEREC crowns, shortening wait time dramatically!
 Crowns Pros and Cons
Crowns offer superior strength and durability compared to veneers. This makes them ideal to restore teeth with significant structural problems such as extensive decay, fractures, or large fillings. Crowns provide protection against further damage and can withstand the forces of chewing and biting.
In addition, crowns are versatile. They address dental issues beyond cosmetic concerns. Crowns improve the function, alignment, and stability of a patient's smile. They are often recommended for teeth that have undergone root canal therapy, or teeth that are at risk of fracture.
However, crowns require more extensive tooth preparation than veneers, we have to remove a significant portion of the tooth's structure to accommodate a crown. Additionally, the cost of crowns is higher.
Veneers and crowns are effective solutions for enhancing the appearance and functionality of teeth, but they serve different purposes and each has its own advantages. Veneers are suitable for minor cosmetic improvements with minimal tooth preparation, and crowns provide comprehensive coverage and support for more extensive dental issues.
Our Dentists in Lincoln Park, NJ Can Help You Decide Which Is the Best Option!
Call us at (973) 633-5666 to schedule with one of our dentists in Lincoln Park! |
