Veneers or Dental Crowns: Which Is Better for My Needs?
Dr. Edward Narcisi offers some exceptional treatments at his office in Monroeville, PA. This includes veneers to mask cosmetic imperfections as well as crowns to cap a damaged tooth. Both veneers and crowns are effective, but they are used in different ways.
If you’ve heard about both, you may wonder whether crowns or veneers are better for your situation.
Below is a comparison of veneers and crowns, with a focus on when one option is more ideal than the other. During your visit, we can let you know which procedure is better for you.
Veneers and Crowns Explained: The Basics
Veneers and crowns can both be used to address cosmetic issues affecting the teeth, but they differ in some key ways.
How Veneers Work
A veneer is a thin shell of semi-translucent tooth-colored material. The veneer is used to mask imperfections that affect the front of a tooth.
When placing a veneer, a dentist removes a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth so the veneer can slide on seamlessly.
How Crowns Work
A crown is a cap that fits over a tooth to protect it from further damage or trauma. While a crown is often used as a restoration for a tooth like fillings, inlays, and onlays, tooth-colored crowns can also be used to address cosmetic flaws.
When placing a crown, a dentist removes compromised tooth structure. The crown fits snuggly atop and around the remaining tooth structure.
When Are Veneers a Better Option?
A veneer is a better option when treating purely cosmetic issues that affect the appearance of the front teeth. That includes:
- Minor chips
- Minor cracks
- Tooth discoloration
- Small gaps or spacing issues
- Size differences between teeth
When Are Crowns a Better Option?
A crown is a better option when a tooth has severe aesthetic flaws that a veneer cannot address or the tooth is structurely compromised. Crowns are often used to treat the following:
- Severe tooth decay
- Major chips and cracks
- Deep stains
Combining Veneers and Crowns
If a patient has a combination of aesthetic and structural issues affecting multiple teeth, we may recommend a combination of crowns and veneers. The materials for the veneers and crowns will be carefully color-matched to your natural teeth in order to ensure natural-looking results.
We Can Determine the Best Treatment for Your Needs
When you visit the Center for Dental Excellence in Monroeville, we’ll be sure to provide expert care that fully meets your needs. Our team will listen to your goals and help you understand all of your options for treatment.
We can also go over the procedures for placing crowns and veneers in full detail so you know exactly what to expect, how long it will take to complete treatment, and what proper aftercare entails.
Contact Our Office Today
Want to learn more about crowns and veneers? To discuss your treatment options with skilled oral health experts, contact our Monroeville dental office. Our team looks forward to seeing you and helping you get the treatment you need.
