How to Choose Between Dental Crowns and Veneers for Your Smile Makeover

Do you want to transform your smile with a cosmetic dentistry procedure? If you have broken, missing, or stained front teeth, you may be wondering whether dental crowns or veneers are the best option for you.

Dental crowns and dental veneers are both types of tooth restorations that can improve the appearance and function of your teeth. However, they have different purposes and benefits. Depending on the tooth condition and your desired outcome, one may be more suitable than the other. We’ll explain dental crown and veneer differences and how to choose the right one for your smile makeover.

What are Dental Crowns and Veneers?

A dental crown serves as a protective overlay, fully encompassing the visible area of a tooth. Commonly constructed from porcelain or a combination of porcelain and metal, it effectively reinstates the form, size, resilience, and hue of a tooth that’s been compromised by damage or decay. It can also protect a tooth from further deterioration or infection.

A dental veneer in Milford is a thin shell that covers only the front surface of a tooth. It is usually made of porcelain or composite resin. A dental veneer can enhance the appearance of a healthy or slightly chipped tooth. It can also correct minor flaws such as stains, gaps, or misalignment.

Both dental crowns and veneers are custom-made to fit your teeth and match your natural color. They are permanently bonded to your teeth with dental cement.

When Do You Need a Dental Crown or Veneer?

A critical distinction between dental crowns and veneers lies in the extent of tooth structure they envelop and substitute. Therefore, the choice between them depends on the extent of damage or cosmetic issue that you want to fix.

You may need a dental crown if:

• You have a large cavity or a root canal treatment that has weakened your tooth.
• You have a cracked, fractured, or broken tooth that needs structural support.
• You have a missing tooth that is replaced by a dental implant or a bridge.
• You have an extensively malformed or discolored tooth that cannot be improved by whitening or veneers.

You may need a dental veneer if:

• You have a healthy tooth that has minor chips, cracks or wear.
• You have a slightly discolored or stained tooth that does not respond to whitening.
• You have a small gap or misalignment between your front teeth that does not affect your bite.
• You have a tooth that is slightly smaller or shorter than the rest and needs to be lengthened or enlarged.

In general, dental crowns are more suitable for restorative purposes, while dental veneers near you are more suitable for cosmetic purposes. However, they can also have some overlapping benefits, such as improving the function and appearance of your teeth.

How are Dental Crowns and Veneers Placed?

The procedure for placing dental crowns and veneers is similar, but there are some differences in the amount of tooth preparation and the number of visits required. Here is what you can expect at each step:

Tooth Preparation

This is the first step of the procedure, where your dentist will prepare your tooth for restoration. It involves the following steps:

• Your cosmetic dentist will numb the area around your tooth with a local anesthetic injection.
• Your dentist will trim and shape your tooth to make room for the restoration. The amount of tooth reduction depends on the type and size of the restoration. For a dental crown, your dentist will remove about 70% of your tooth enamel from all sides. For a dental veneer, your dentist will remove about 0.5 mm of your tooth enamel from the front side only. In some cases, no-prep veneers, which require little or no tooth preparation, may be used.
• Your dentist will take an impression of your prepared tooth and the surrounding teeth. This can be done with a physical or digital impression. The dental impression obtained will be dispatched to a specialized lab, where your bespoke, long-lasting restoration is meticulously crafted. This may take up to two weeks.
• A temporary restoration is placed on your prepared tooth by your dentist to protect it until the permanent one is ready. It’s usually made of acrylic or metal and held with temporary cement.

Restoration Placement

This is the second step of the procedure, where your dentist will place the permanent restoration on your tooth. It involves the following steps:

• Your Milford dentist will remove the temporary restoration and clean your tooth. They will also check the fit, color, and shape of your permanent restoration. They may make some adjustments if needed.
• Your dentist will apply a special cement to your permanent restoration and place it over your prepared tooth. They will use a special light to harden the cement and secure the restoration in place.
• Your dentist will remove any excess cement and polish your restoration. They will also check your bite and make sure you are comfortable with your new restoration.

With diligent maintenance, a dental crown or veneer can endure for a decade or more, up to 15 years. However, it may need to be replaced or repaired if it cracks, chips, or wears down over time.

Ready to Get Your Dental Crown or Veneer?

If you are looking for a reliable and experienced dentist in Milford, CT, contact Dworkin Dental today and schedule a consultation. Our clinic provides an array of dental crown and veneer options designed to align with diverse needs and financial considerations. To provide a comfortable and effective treatment, we take great delight in employing cutting-edge technology and equipment.