Two of the most frequently requested Cosmetic Dental treatments are Dental Crowns and Veneers. While they both greatly enhance your smile aesthetics, each serves a unique purpose with different benefits.
Dental Crown
A crown is basically a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over an existing tooth to change its appearance. Besides reinforcing the strength of the tooth, it restores the ‘repaired’ tooth back to its original size and shape. Permanent dental crowns – typically pre-fabricated in a dental lab – are usually cemented into place and cover the entire tooth that is visible above the gum line. Crowns are most often prescribed for: restoration of broken or fractured teeth; cosmetic enhancements; repairing decayed teeth; repairing fractured fillings; and even replacing large and defective fillings. Where cosmetic dentistry is concerned, crowns are used to modify the appearance of the tooth. A dental crown can be made from different types of materials such as metals (mostly stainless steel or gold), resin, porcelain, ceramic or a combination of these materials.
Veneers
Another popular choice treatment of Cosmetic Dentists to restore the appearance of a tooth is that of the veneer. A veneer is a thin shell that is placed over a tooth to achieve two purposes: protecting the tooth from damage and correcting the tooth’s appearance. Veneers are mainly made of dental porcelain or composite, and are much thinner than a crown.
The Differences
Although both crowns and veneers are coverings for your existing tooth structure, a crown fits snugly over the teeth, while a customised porcelain veneer laminates conceal the front surface of the tooth. Besides the way in which they are placed, they perform different functions as well.
Veneers are commonly used to restore the outward appearance of a tooth – whether due to misshapen, misaligned, or discoloured teeth. If your focus for the tooth covering is mainly that of appearance, veneers may be the most viable option.
Crowns, on the other hand, are recommended for structural repair of teeth that may lack the necessary structural integrity. For patients with extensive tooth decay a crown may provide the most appropriate treatment.
Other possible candidates for dental crowns are people with severe dental problems or chronically broken or decayed teeth. Crowns are also recommended for patients who are likely to use their restored tooth for extensive grinding and chewing. Conversely, veneers are ideal for patients who still have strong teeth but require a more aesthetic appearance to conceal teeth that are discoloured, cracked or chipped.
