Though they can be quite similar as far as their physical appearance goes, crowns and veneers differ in their purpose. The primary difference between crowns and veneers is that dental crowns are meant to restore the shape and enhance the durability of a tooth. Therefore, crowns cover the entire tooth. On the other hand, veneers are only intended to improve aesthetics, and only cover the front portion of the tooth.
Are Crowns and Veneers the Same Thing?
If you need dental work done and are wondering which one is the right choice for you, read on to learn more about crowns and veneers.
What’s a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is a cap that sits over a damaged tooth. Dental crowns can be made out of metals, porcelain, resin, and ceramics. The purpose of this type of dental treatment is to cover a problematic tooth in order to improve its strength, enhance its shape, and improve its size. Crowns encompass the entire portion of the tooth that is visible at and above the gum line, and they’re cemented in place to ensure stability.
When are dental crowns used?
Crowns can be used to remedy a variety of dental issues. For instance, they can be used to protect weakened teeth, preventing them from breaking, or they can be used to cover teeth with large fillings that no longer have a lot of natural tooth structure remaining. Additionally, dental crowns can be used to secure dental bridges in place, cover dental implants, or conceal misshapen or severely discolored teeth.
Procedure Details
In order to have a dental crown placed, you will need to visit your dentist on two separate occasions to ready the tooth for the crown. During the first visit, X-rays of your mouth may be taken. X-rays are taken in order to assess the roots of the tooth that the crown will be covering, as well as the bone that surrounds the roots.
If severe decay is present or if there’s an increased risk of injury or infection to the pulp of the affected tooth, a root canal may be necessary before the crown can be placed.
First Visit
Before a dentist starts the process of making a crown, he will numb your tooth and the gum tissue that surrounds it. The tooth that will be treated will then be reshaped in order to make room for the crown. The kind of crown used will determine how much tooth needs to be reshaped or possibly even removed. If a large amount of the tooth is missing, your cosmetic dentist will apply material used to fill cavities in order to bulk up the tooth so that it can support the crown.
Once your tooth has been reshaped, the dentist will apply a paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth. Alternatively, a digital scanner may be used. Impressions of the teeth above and below the one receiving the crown will also be taken. The impressions or scans are then sent out to a dental lab. The lab will use the impressions or scans to create the crown.
During your initial visit, a temporary crown will be made to conceal and protect the tooth after it has been reshaped while the crown is being manufactured.
Second Visit
When your crown is ready, you will schedule a second visit with your dentist’s office. The temporary crown will then be removed, and the fit and color of the permanent crown will be assessed. If everything looks good, your dentist will cement the crown in place.
What are Veneers?
A veneer is a super-thin, custom-made shell that covers the front surface of a tooth. The main objective of veneers is to enhance the aesthetics of your teeth or a single tooth. The tooth-colored shells are bonded to the front of the teeth, improving the shape, color, size, and length.
Types of Veneers
There are several different types of dental veneers. Veneers can be made of either porcelain or resin composite materials. They are also known as porcelain veneers or composite veneers.
Dental veneers can be used to correct the appearance of teeth that have been:
- Discolored as a result of a root canal
- Stained by medications, such as tetracycline
- Discolored by fluoride damage
- Worn down as a result of tooth grinding
- Chipped or broken
Veneers can also be used to correct misaligned teeth or to fill in large gaps between teeth.
Procedure Details
It usually takes three trips to apply a veneer: a consultation and two trips to apply the veneer. Your teeth will need to be examined and reshaped to prepare for application. An impression of the tooth will be made, and the model will be sent to a dental lab, where the veneer will be made. Prior to applying the veneer, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. Finally, cement is applied to the front of the tooth to secure the veneer in place.
We can do crowns on posterior teeth in 1 visit with our CEREC! (Made in-house with cutting-edge technology just like dental labs utilize)
All Smiles Family Dentistry in Omaha, NE
At All Smiles Family Dentistry, we are proud to provide high-quality care to all our patients both young and old thanks to our compassionate and experienced dental team. We offer a clean and comfortable clinic to help you feel relaxed during your visit. Contact All Smiles Family Dentist.