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Tooth Repair: Dental Crowns Or Dental Veneers?

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What’s the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns? They each have their own benefits and uses, but are both good options for enhancing your natural smile and protecting your teeth. Learn more about when to choose one over the other and why dentists use them in tooth restoration with Northern VA dental office Ridgetop Dental Group.

Dental Veneers: Minor Cosmetic Imperfections

Porcelain veneers are more likely to be recommended to a patient with minor cosmetic issues like yellowed teeth, crooked teeth, or improperly spaced teeth. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are attached to the front of the teeth, and they are shaped and colored to match the patient’s mouth shape and desired tooth color. Patients with chipped teeth or have these minor cosmetic problems can benefit from dental veneers.

Dentists use dental veneers when a patient is looking for a more conservative approach, because they require less preparation than dental crowns. Only a thin layer of the enamel is removed from the natural tooth, which makes veneers good for aesthetic problems like misalignment or discoloration.

Dental Crowns: Repair Damaged Teeth

While veneers are good for minor cosmetic imperfections, dental crowns are for repairing a natural tooth that has been injured. A dental crown allows the dentist to avoid extracting a natural tooth, such as after a root canal or injury. The damaged tissue is removed from the inside of the tooth and the crown is cemented on top, holding it together to keep the natural tooth from breaking apart.

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 a permanent part of the tooth. Crowns require extensive tooth preparation, making them a better option for a tooth that has extensive damage.

Maintaining Crowns vs. Veneers

Dental veneers can last 10 to 15 years with proper care. Although they are strong and securely bonded to the teeth, they are brittle and have a finite lifespan. Dental crowns have a similar lifespan, and are still subject to breaking with too much pressure or natural wear and tear.

Maintaining a healthy oral hygiene regimen that includes regular check-ups with your dentist will help keep your restorations intact and functioning as long as possible. Crowns and veneers do not require extra care beyond brushing and flossing to keep the remaining natural teeth healthy.

Dental Restoration Consultation in Northern VA

Ridgetop Dental Group offers consultations 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 office.

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