Modern cosmetic dentistry offers a variety of procedures to solve a wide range of dental concerns. Two standard procedures are dental veneers and dental crowns. But what is the difference between veneers and crowns, and which should you choose to solve your dental complication? In this article, we discuss the application processes of these two procedures.
Both dental veneers and dental crowns cover the tooth with artificial material, typically porcelain or resin composite. However, there are some differences between these two procedures:
Below, we discuss the procedures for dental crowns and dental veneers in more detail to help you understand the differences.
Before getting dental veneers, you will need to undergo an exam of your oral health to ensure that no cavities, tooth decay, or gum disease are present. If you have any of these conditions, you will most likely have to treat them before getting veneers.
After any dental complications have been solved, you and your dentist can discuss the concerns you want to address with the dental veneer procedure and the ideal color for your future cosmetic restoration.
In preparation for dental veneer placement, your dentist will remove a small part of the enamel from the teeth that will be covered with veneers. This step is needed to ensure that veneers will have enough room to fit the teeth and also to create a “roughened” surface that will help veneers adhere to the teeth.
Removing some of the enamel from the teeth means that, from this point on, you will have to wear veneers permanently. Your teeth can not survive without the protective layer of their enamel that comes to be replaced by veneers.
During the next step, your doctor will take impressions of your teeth that later will be sent to a laboratory where a technician will prepare your custom veneers. In the meantime, temporary veneers will be placed on your teeth to protect them from damage. Once your permanent veneers are ready, you will have a follow-up visit with your dentist, during which they will be placed on your teeth. Veneers are attached to the teeth using a special dental adhesive.
Because dental crowns are typically used after root canal therapy to reinforce and protect the tooth, they are often placed after procedures like root canal therapy. Such reinforcement is needed when a significant portion of the tooth is affected by decay and the walls of the tooth are significantly weakened. However, they can also be used to cover and strengthen a chipped or cracked tooth.
Root canal therapy is needed when a substantial part of a tooth is affected by decay. During this procedure, the decayed pulp is removed from the inner chambers of the tooth. Then, the canals are cleaned and sealed with a biocompatible dental material.
Before a dental crown can be placed, your dentist will need to prepare the tooth by “filling” it and removing some of its enamel. After the tooth is prepared, your doctor will take the impressions of the tooth. Then, your crown is custom-made in the laboratory. During this period, you will wear a temporary crown. Once the permanent crown is ready, it is placed onto the tooth, making sure that it feels comfortable and natural in the mouth.
Start solving your dental issues today by making an appointment with an experienced dentist at Smile Dental Boutique. Our specialist will carefully examine your case and discuss your goals to help you choose the most appropriate course of action. We look forward to helping you enhance your oral health and the appearance of your smile.
