Dental veneers and crowns are cosmetic solutions whose restorative benefits share a number of similarities and differences, which combine to make each uniquely suited to certain situations and patient needs.
Today we’re looking at dental veneers and crowns – what they are, how they’re similar, and how they’re different.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made, stain-resistant shells made of dental porcelain that are designed to fit snugly over the fronts of a patient’s teeth. Veneers are a non-invasive solution for tooth discoloration, chipping, and misalignment, as they only require bonding to the surfaces of existing teeth (using special dental cement) by a dentist.
Note that veneers are a purely cosmetic solution and will not protect teeth and gums beneath them from decay or infection and that issues such as these must be treated before veneers are placed.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a custom-made (typically porcelain) cap that’s designed to fit over an existing tooth. Crowns are typically used to restore teeth that are damaged by breakage or severe decay.
In cases in which a tooth’s interior “pulp” is also badly damaged, it is typically removed in a root canal procedure before the placement of a crown.
How Are Veneers and Crowns Similar?
Veneers and crowns share several similarities, most notably:
- Both enhance the form and function of discolored, misaligned, decayed, or chipped teeth.
- With the exception of all-metal crowns, both are customized to match the color of a patient’s existing teeth.
- Caring for both veneers and crowns is essentially the same as caring for natural teeth – twice-daily brushing and daily flossing.
How Are Veneers and Crowns Different?
The key difference between dental veneers and crowns include:
- Each dental crown covers an entire tooth, while veneers are bonded to the fronts of teeth.
- Veneers blend more seamlessly with the gumline than crowns.
- Though both are extremely durable, with proper care, a high-quality crown can last nearly a lifetime, while veneers typically require replacement after 10-20 years.
Dental Crowns in Maple Ridge, BC
If you’re looking for a Maple Ridge cosmetic dentist to help you determine whether dental crowns or dental veneers are right for you, contact dentist Dr. Jason Liu and the Meadow Ridge Dental team to schedule a consultation!