Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers

Knowing the differences between dental crowns and veneers can help patients make more informed decisions when it comes to their dental health and outward visual appearance. In essence, when it comes to restoring and improving the look of a smile there are two main options - dental crowns or veneers. This short discussion will help you understand the main differences between these two restorative dental techniques. First it is important to understand how dental crowns work.

Seamless and Natural Restoration

A crown is simply a permanent covering that is made of either porcelain or metal and that is intended to cover damaged, injured or unattractive teeth. Most importantly, a crown will make a tooth stronger and help it to last longer. Dental care providers strive to make a crown look virtually exactly like the natural tooth that is intended to replace. This includes matching the shade, color and the shape of the original tooth. Once a crown has been professionally placed it creates a seamless and natural restoration that is essentially invisible and that looks almost exactly like the patient's natural teeth.

Durability and Strength

Dental crowns are frequently used to correct dental problems caused by tooth decay, teeth grinding, root canals or cracked fillings. They are intended to repair damage that is either extensive or that is caused by an inadequate filling. Modern crown technology includes porcelain crowns that are most frequently used for front teeth while porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are routinely placed for molars and other teeth that require a stronger restoration. Even gold is frequently used as an excellent option for back teeth because of its durability and strength.

Composite Resin or Ceramic Material

In contrast to dental crowns, veneers are simply a thin layer of composite resin or ceramic material that is tooth colored. It is a type of filler material that is carefully and accurately applied directly over the tooth as a way to improve its shape and color. Patients should keep in mind that for veneers to be effective the removal of a small amount of tooth enamel is necessary as a way to make the bond between the tooth and veneer stronger. It is a permanent procedure that is primarily intended to improve appearance and to some degree functionality.

Resin or Porcelain

Veneer placement is commonly employed as a way to correct problems that affect a patient’s smile. From chipped teeth to discoloration and broken teeth as well as mis-alignments and gapped teeth, veneers produce impressive results that are durable and long lasting. This type of restoration can be either indirect or direct. A direct veneer is one that is applied directly to the teeth. Indirect veneer techniques involve a veneer that is fabricated out of resin or porcelain in a dental laboratory. While resin is easier to apply by the dentist, porcelain is far superior in terms of resisting stains. Contact your Walnut Creek dentist, Dr. Darvishzadeh at Walnut Creek Dental today to learn more about dental crowns and veneer based technology.

References:
[1] How To Deal With A Cracked Tooth
[2] What Is Involved With Getting Dental Veneers?
[3] Tips On How To Keep Dental Veneers Clean