Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are two of the most effective and commonly performed treatments available. While both of these options offer extraordinary restorative and cosmetic benefits, they are very distinct in many ways, which can make one more ideal than the other in certain cases.
Porcelain veneers are primarily designed to improve aesthetic concerns. These durable, customized “shells” fit over the front, most visible part of teeth affected by deep stains, gaps and spaces, or chips, and can even be helpful for mild misalignment issues. Veneers essentially mask the appearance of cosmetic dental irregularities to improve the appearance of your smile.
A dental crown also has numerous cosmetic advantages; however, this option is geared more toward restoring a tooth that is severely decayed or structurally compromised. Custom dental crowns fit over the entire tooth, reinforcing its strength and protecting it from further degradation. A crown can also significantly improve dental function and improve smile aesthetics, enhancing the tooth’s shape, size, and color. In addition to its ability to restore damaged teeth, a dental crown also serves as the final step in dental implant and root canal procedures.
Ultimately, the basic difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns is that one is more ideal for concerns that are mainly cosmetic in nature, while the other is often better for restorative and cosmetic concerns. While both typically require different levels of tooth preparation, each of these options is designed to create long-lasting, natural-looking results. During your initial consultation, our dentist can talk with you about whether a custom porcelain veneer or a custom crown is the best option for your needs.
Please contact Delmarva Dental Services with any questions you may have about our advanced cosmetic and restorative dental treatments, or to schedule an appointment.