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.
Ridgetop Dental Group is a Reston, VA dentist’s office offering personalized dental care to help patients achieve healthy, beautiful smiles.
Veneers Are Good For Addressing Minor Cosmetic Issues
Dental veneers are thin porcelain coverings that are attached to the front of the affected teeth with composite bonding. Veneers can be used to alter the color, shape, and spacing of your teeth and can even eliminate gaps between your teeth, lengthen small or misshapen teeth or whiten stained teeth.
Perhaps your teeth are chipped or are showing signs of wear and tear? Porcelain veneers can refresh their appearance in a way that looks and feels natural while also protecting them from further damage.
Veneers are a more conservative treatment, requiring less of the natural tooth to be altered prior to treatment. Usually, only a thin layer of tooth enamel must be removed from the front of the tooth. This is necessary so that the veneer fits in your mouth without changing the appearance of your teeth and the shape of your mouth. This fact makes veneers good for resolving aesthetic issues such as discoloration and crooked teeth.
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 with significant decay.
Maintaining Crowns vs. Veneers
Dental veneers can last up to 10 years with proper care and cautious use. Although they are securely bonded to your natural teeth, because they are thin they may break easily. However, dental crowns are still subject to natural wear and tear, can break if you’re not careful and have a similar lifespan.
Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene regimen that includes regular check-ups with your dentist will help keep your restorations — no matter which one you have — intact and functional for as long as possible. However, both crowns and veneers have the benefit of not requiring extra care beyond regular brushing and flossing to keep the remaining natural teeth and gum tissue healthy.
Dental Restoration Consultation in Reston, VA
Ridgetop Dental Group in Reston, VA offers a FREE consultation 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 Reston office.