There are many dental treatments available either to fix some flaws or get a complete smile makeover. The two most popular treatments are dental crowns and dental veneers.
While both treatments can address issues like chips, cracks, and discoloration, they actually have different uses and purposes.
In this article, we will compare dental crowns vs. veneers, looking at some key differences in their materials, purpose, longevity, and preparation process.
Disclaimer The information in this article has been shared for informational purposes only, and is not considered a substitute for medical advice nor should it be considered as a treatment recommendation by https://www.clinicadvisor.com Accordingly, before taking any action based on this information, we encourage you to consult a medical professional to obtain the right medical care.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns, also known as dental caps, are dental restorations that cover the entire tooth, including the visible part above the gum line.
They are typically used to restore a tooth that has been severely damaged by decay or trauma or to strengthen a weak tooth.
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination of both.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that are placed over the front surface of the tooth.
They are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned. Unlike dental crowns, which cover the entire tooth, dental veneers only cover the front surface.
Find out more about the best types of dental veneers.
What is the difference between dental crowns and dental veneers?
While from an aesthetic point of view, the result can be quite similar, there are important differences between dental crowns and veneers.
To put it simply, the dental veneer covers only the front of the tooth while the dental crown covers the tooth entirely.
The difference also lies in why it is used. The objective of a treatment using dental veneers is mainly aesthetic and is often applied to healthy teeth.
On the other hand, the objective of dental crowns is more often therapeutic, generally to repair a tooth that is too damaged. This does not prevent, in the case of dental crowns from obtaining equally aesthetic results, even if in their case this is not the only or main objective.
Dental crowns and dental veneers are both dental treatments that can improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth, but they are different in several ways.
Key Differences between dental crowns and Veneers
| Differences | Dental Crowns | Dental Veneers |
| Coverage | Dental crowns cover the entire tooth. | Dental veneers only cover the front surface. |
| Purpose | Dental crowns are typically used to restore a damaged or weakened tooth. | Dental veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, or slightly misaligned. |
| Material | Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including metal, porcelain, or a combination of both. | Dental veneers are typically made from porcelain or composite resin. |
| Preparation | Preparing a tooth for a dental crown requires more tooth structure to be removed. | Dental veneers are minimally invasive. |
| Longevity | Dental crowns generally last longer than dental veneers, as they cover the entire tooth and provide more protection. | Dental veneers usually have a lifespan of up to 10 years. |
If you are still not sure about getting dental crowns vs veneers, our dentists can help determine which option is best for you based on your specific goals.
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