Crowns Vs. Veneers: What’s The Difference?

You've probably heard of dental solutions such as fillings, bridges, crowns, veneers, and bonding. These are just a few of the many dental procedures that people have throughout their lives. These procedures improve the appearance of your teeth, promote the overall health of your mouth, and fix any problems that occur throughout life. With all these names and titles of dental procedures swirling around, it can be tough to know the difference between them all. Crowns and veneers are two techniques that are often confused with each other. Although they share some similarities, they have inherently different uses. Read on to find out the difference between crowns and veneers.

Dental Crowns

A dental crown is a porcelain or metal cover that is meant to cover majority of the tooth. While some of the tooth needs to be present for the dental crown to fit, most of the original structure of the tooth is not there.

When Should You Get It?

While a dental crown can fix cosmetic problems, it's not always the best solution. Because a dental crown requires so much of the tooth to be removed, it's best to reserve this type of procedure for major problems. A major problem could be defined as one that inhibits the functionality of the tooth. For example, if a tooth has chipped so much that it can no longer aid in chewing, a crown would be the best solution. Crowns are very strong and durable, which is another factor that makes them a good solution for a major problem.

Veneers

A veneer is a thin piece of material that is placed on the front of the tooth. Only a small amount of the enamel is removed for a veneer to fit on the tooth.

When Should You Get It?

A veneer is a great solution to a cosmetic tooth problem. If your tooth has a stain, discoloration, or a minor chip, a veneer would be a great solution. Veneers can also be used to correct spaces between your teeth. Veneers do not correct functionality problems, which is what makes them different from crowns. They are also thinner than crowns, so they are better suited for cosmetics because they tend to look more natural. In addition, the tooth structure that a veneer is placed on must be healthy, so it's better suited for a minor cosmetic problem.

Crowns and veneers have many similarities, so it's easy to get them confused. By knowing the difference between these dental procedures, you can find the best solution to your dental problems. Talk to places like Welch Dental Care for more information.


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