When it comes to improving the appearance of your teeth, there are a few different options to choose from. Two of the most popular choices are veneers or dental crowns. Both procedures can give you beautiful, white teeth, but they have different benefits and drawbacks. In this blog post, we will compare porcelain veneers to dental crowns so that you can make an informed decision about which one is right for you!
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are bonded to the front of your teeth. They can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth and they are a popular choice because they are durable, long-lasting, and non-invasive. Having veneers placed can fix crooked teeth, repair broken teeth, and cover up dental stains. Veneers can also be used to even out the size and shape of the teeth, as well as to fill in gaps between teeth.
However, veneers do require that a thin layer of enamel is removed prior to their placement. This is so that the veneers will fit properly and have a natural appearance. This also means that getting veneers is a permanent treatment that cannot be reversed. While porcelain veneers do last an average of 10-15 years, they will need to be replaced once they wear down, become broken, or fall off.
Porcelain Veneer Pros:
- Durable
- Non-invasive
- Long lasting (10-15 years)
Porcelain Veneer Cons:
- Require enamel modification
- Can only fix minor damage
- May chip or break
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are similar to veneers in that they improve the appearance of the teeth, but they are made to cover the entire tooth. Crowns can be used to fix teeth that are broken, cracked, severely decayed, or have had a root canal. In some cases, crowns can also be used in coordination with dental implants to replace a missing tooth.
Like veneers, crowns are an irreversible treatment that requires enamel modifications prior to their placement. However, more of the natural tooth structure is removed since the entire tooth is reduced in size to place a dental crown. For this reason, dental crowns are generally recommended in cases where a tooth is significantly damaged. Crowns are also made out of porcelain and they are durable and long lasting. They usually last around 15-20 years before needing to be replaced.
Porcelain Crown Pros:
- Fixes severely damaged teeth
- Covers the entire tooth
- Long lasting (15-20 years)
Porcelain Crown Cons:
- Requires significant enamel modification
- Irreversible
Which is Best?
So, which is better? Porcelain veneers or dental crowns? The answer to that question really depends on your specific situation. If you have a few minor damages or stains, veneers may be the best option. However, if you have a tooth that is severely damaged, a dental crown is likely the better choice. Ultimately, it is up to you and your dentist to decide which treatment is right for you. We hope this blog post has helped you better understand the differences between porcelain veneers and dental crowns!