What Is the Difference Between Crowns and Veneers?

From chipping to discoloration, many teeth problems affect the quality of a smile. Luckily, advances in dentistry have made dental restorations possible. Dental crowns and veneers are two of the most common dental restoration methods. Patients should understand the differences between these dental techniques to make an informed choice when visiting the dentist.

Dental Veneers

A dental veneer is a one-sided, forward-facing porcelain covering for a damaged tooth. The main function of a veneer is to improve dental appearance. This dental restoration technique is ideal for chipped, discolored, and broken teeth. A patient can opt for a single veneer or multiple fixtures for a symmetrical smile.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a restoration technique for an extensively damaged tooth. It is a metal, porcelain, or composite (metal and porcelain) covering that encases the entire damaged tooth. The covering is about 2 millimeters in thickness. It is ideal for restoration of discolored, chipped, or cracked, decayed, and crooked teeth.

Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers

A dentist will decide crowns or veneers based on each patient's situation. They use their findings to determine the best restoration method. Here are some of the major differences between these dental restoration techniques:

• The extent of coverage: Dental crowns cover the entire tooth while veneers only cover the front of the damaged tooth.
• Restorative effect: Veneers have a largely cosmetic role, which is to restore a smile. Dental crowns, on the other hand, also strengthen a tooth’s structure to prevent further damage.
• The procedure: Porcelain veneers require minimal anatomical enamel reduction before fitting. For crowns, the dentist will do more extensive enamel trimming before fixing the covering over the affected tooth.
• Thickness: Veneers are wafer-thin, at around 1 millimeter, while dental crowns are about 2 millimeters or more in thickness.

For families looking for comprehensive dentistry services in Ardmore, OK and surrounding areas, including fitting veneers and crowns, Storts Family Dentistry has your needs covered. Contact us today and set an appointment for dedicated dentistry services in the area.