Both porcelain dental veneers and dental crowns are effective tooth restoration methods, as they both offer protection for your teeth and restore your natural smile. How do you know which is the best option for you? Both of these restorative cosmetic treatments have their own benefits and drawbacks depending on your situation. Chapel Hill Family & Cosmetic Dentistry offers personalized cosmetic dental care in Chapel Hill, NC to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
Veneers Are Good For Addressing Minor Cosmetic Issues
Porcelain dental veneers are thin shells that are attached to the front of teeth to correct the shape, color, and spacing of the teeth. Veneers are used to whiten stained teeth, close small gaps between teeth, or reshape small or misshapen teeth. If your teeth are chipped or showing signs of wear, you might consider dental veneers. They can help restore your appearance while protecting teeth from further damage.
Veneers are a more conservative treatment because they require less of the tooth to be prepared prior to treatment. In most cases, only a thin layer of tooth enamel is removed from the front of the tooth. This makes veneers good for aesthetic problems such as discoloration and crooked teeth. Most of the natural tooth remains intact after porcelain veneers are applied.
For teeth that have more damage, veneers may not be the best option, but your dentist can help you determine whether dental veneers are right for you.
Dental Crowns Are Better For Advanced Tooth Restoration
If you have damaged teeth, dental crowns may be a better option for you, especially if the sensitive tissue inside is at risk of being exposed. Dental crowns are shaped to fit on top of a damaged tooth, which are then cemented to the tooth to hold it together. This keeps the tooth from breaking apart so you can keep as much of the natural tooth structure as possible.
Dental crowns are constructed of durable materials such as porcelain, resin, or a composite material that is strong enough to endure the trauma of chewing. After a crown is cemented to the top of the tooth, it becomes part of the tooth.
Crowns require extensive tooth preparation, making them a better option for a tooth that has extensive damage. A crown may be necessary after a root canal, a broken tooth, or a tooth that has severely decayed.
Maintaining Crowns vs. Veneers
Both dental veneers and crowns can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. They are strong and securely attached to the teeth, but crowns and veneers are subject to breaking with too much pressure or natural wear and tear.
Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene regimen that includes regular check-ups with your dentist will help keep your restorations intact and functioning as long as possible. Crowns and veneers do not require extra care beyond brushing and flossing to keep the remaining natural teeth healthy.
Dental Restoration Consultation in Chapel Hill, NC
Chapel Hill Family and Cosmetic Dentistry offers consultations to discuss your dental concerns and evaluate your oral health. We look forward to meeting your needs and goals for your smile and helping you enjoy the lifelong benefits of good oral health. To schedule your appointment, request an appointment online or call our office at (919) 213-9767.