Veneers vs Crowns: Which Option Is Right for You?
Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns can achieve similar cosmetic results. However, they have several important differences that can make one option more appropriate than the other, depending on your needs. Dr. Shahram Navid at Navid Family Dental in Peabody, MA, invites you to learn more about veneers vs. crowns so that you can make an informed decision.
The Fundamental Differences
Crowns completely cover a tooth to provide any necessary structural support and protection following treatment for decay or trauma. They are also designed to look completely natural in order to improve function as well as aesthetics.
Veneers cover the front surface of a tooth, and serve only to enhance the appearance of your smile. While crowns require significant alteration of the tooth involving the removal of healthy tissue, veneers require the removal of only a small amount of enamel. You can depend on our doctors to help you choose the right solution for your needs.
Veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment, but crowns can serve both practical and cosmetic purposes.
Candidacy for Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers may be recommended if you wish to conceal minor imperfections such as:
- Chips or cracks
- Gaps or spacing
- Discoloration
- Misshapen teeth
- Slight misalignment
Candidacy for Porcelain Crowns
You may be a candidate for a dental crown if:
- You have advanced decay
- You have a severely cracked tooth
- A weakened tooth requires additional reinforcement
- Your bite is misaligned
- You have undergone root canal therapy and the tooth needs support
- You have lost a single tooth and wish to replace it with an implant-supported restoration
- You have a deep dental stain that does not respond to whitening and cannot be concealed with a veneer
Placing Porcelain Veneers
In order to place porcelain veneers, a small amount of tooth enamel must be removed from the front surface. This will allow your veneers to lay flush with surrounding tooth surfaces for a natural appearance. Because the teeth must be altered, porcelain veneers are not reversible. In other words, the tooth will always need a veneer after it has been prepared. We can provide same-day veneers thanks to CEREC® technology, a system that uses computer-guided tools to create custom restorations within a single office visit.
Placing Porcelain Crowns
Like veneers, tooth alteration is required before the placement of porcelain crowns. Because a dental crown covers the entire tooth structure, more tissue must be removed. In most cases, porcelain crowns can also be fabricated in our office using the CEREC system.
Contact Us for More Information
You can depend on the dentists at Navid Family Dental to take careful note of your goals and your oral health needs in order to recommend the right treatment. We value patient education, and our dentists will take all the time needed to help you understand your options. Call us at (978) 705-6898 or contact us online anytime to request a consultation.
