Crowns Vs Veneers: What's the Difference?

Both dental crowns and dental veneers are dental treatments that aim to restore the appearance and function of your smile. But, even though cosmetically these two treatments have the same function, they are applied for different dental issues.

So, let's learn the difference between the two of them. 

What Is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is designed to restore the entire crown if your tooth is severely decayed and a dental filling is not enough to be able to restore it. 

They are caps placed on top of the tooth, covering it entirely. 

What Is a Dental Veneer?

A dental veneer is a thin shell placed on the surface of your tooth. For them to be placed, your natural tooth needs to be intact. They are less invasive than dental crowns, even though the teeth do need preparation for them to be able to bond perfectly. 

With dental veneers, you will have more of your natural tooth left intact. However, the process of getting them is irreversible as your natural enamel will be trimmed off and it can't grow back anymore. 

Differences Between Crowns and Veneers

Both veneers and crowns are restorative dentistry treatments that fix problems like:

• Discolored teeth
• Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• Decayed or weakened teeth
• Crooked teeth

But these two procedures also have differences:

• Dental veneers are thin layers of porcelain placed on the front surface of an existing tooth
• Dental crowns are thicker and can be made out of porcelain or porcelain fused with metal alloy
• While veneers only cover the surface of an existing tooth, dental crowns cover the entire tooth
• Dental veneers are used to cosmetically improve the aspect of the teeth, while dental crowns can also be used when a tooth has decayed, restoring its entire function
• Dental crowns are also used as a part of dental implants treatment

How Do You Know If You Need a Dental Crown or a Dental Veneer?

From what we’ve seen above, even though both crowns and veneers allow you to have a beautiful smile, veneers do it by having your own natural tool as a base, whereas dental crowns have a more restorative function.

Dental veneers are the right option for you if you want to improve the aspect of your teeth. They can also help you correct some irregularities like gaps or stained teeth.

Dental crowns are for people who suffer from tooth decay, are missing a tooth, or if the tooth has a large filling. 

Do You Have Further Questions about Veneers and  Crowns? Contact Us

You can always contact Redmond Art of Dentistry for any questions you may have about your upcoming dental treatment. We are a family dental practice that can take care of your entire family. We offer services using only the best dental technology, including dental implants and Invisalign. 

Get in contact with us and Dr. Daniel Bickel will be here to assist you. Schedule an appointment and we will guide you from there.