As you might know, two major restorations can enhance existing teeth: veneers and dental crowns. Both apply high-grade materials to your enamel that make your smile better than ever! That said, which of these options would suit you (and your grin) the most? You needn’t fret over this question if you lack an answer; your Winchendon dentist will address it. Please keep reading to learn whether you should get veneers or dental crowns at your next dental visit.
What Do Veneers Do?
Veneers are tooth-sized porcelain shells, made to be placed on the fronts of teeth. Dentists typically use them to hide a smile’s aesthetic flaws – chips, stains, cracks, and so on.
Given their design and materials, veneers’ main (and intended) effects include:
- Versatile Aesthetics – A veneer covers a tooth’s front-facing surface, so it can treat chips, cracks, stains, misalignments, etc.
- Lifelike Looks – Thanks to their high-grade porcelain, veneers blend seamlessly with your surrounding teeth.
- Long-Lasting Results – Veneers can last for 15 years or more when maintained properly.
The most crucial point is that veneers are primarily cosmetic in nature. Rather than fix health issues, they improve your appearance.
How Do Dental Crowns Differ?
Unlike veneers, dental crowns aren’t simply shells. They’re “caps” that cover damaged teeth, restoring their normal shape, size, and function in the process.
Dental crowns have the following notable benefits:
- Increased Tooth Protection – Dental crowns keep bacteria and other debris from further harming weak and decayed teeth.
- Seamless Appearance – Today’s dental crowns use tooth-colored materials, so they don’t awkwardly “stand out” from your grin.
- Reduced Risk of Oral Issues – By protecting weak teeth (see above), dental crowns reduce your risk of tooth infections and similar oral problems.
Put another way, dental crowns are primarily restorative. They repair damaged teeth in a way that also hides specific smile flaws.
Should You Get Veneers or Crowns?
In a decision between veneers or crowns, neither option is absolutely “better.” The right pick is simply the one that best meets your needs.
When Veneers are Ideal: If your biggest goal is good-looking teeth, you should consider veneers. These shells can quickly hide your smile’s problem areas to enhance its overall beauty. The only wrinkles are that veneers can get costly, aren’t covered by dental insurance, and don’t treat health issues.
When Crowns are Ideal: It’s best to look into dental crowns when you need tooth repair. These shells protect teeth weakened by decay and injury, and they’ll work on any tooth in your mouth. If they have a downside, it’s that they aren’t primarily cosmetic; they may not make your teeth look the way you want.
Even with the above, you should consult a dental provider before you commit to either treatment. They’ll confirm whether to get veneers or dental crowns!
About the Practice
Unique Dental of Winchendon is based in Winchendon, MA. Led by the amazing Dr. Ahmad Hakwati, our practice gives you (and your smile) the oral care you truly deserve. That means we offer preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative services, all tailored to your “unique” grin! When you want custom treatments that help your mouth thrive, you can count on us. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (978)-297-0675.