What Is The Difference Between Crowns and Veneers?

Both crowns and veneers are types of dental restorations that improve your cosmetic appeal and teeth function. Although they look the same, whether it's to fix a cracked, chipped, decayed, discoloured or broken tooth, they are different.

The materials used to make them are also similar as they look and feel the same. You can't tell the difference between a crown and veneer in comparison to natural teeth. The only difference that emerges is when you prefer to have metal crowns; they will look different from your natural teeth. Depending on your need, your dentist will advise you on whether to get crowns or veneers.

Crowns

Crowns fit over your existing teeth or dental implants to restore the appearance of a discoloured tooth or add support to a damaged tooth. To create the crown, the dentist needs to prepare your tooth, such as filling it to make space for the crown. The dentist will then take an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth to send to the laboratory to make your crown. When it is time to fix the crown, the dentist roughens the enamel to ensure it fits properly and stays firm.

Veneers

Veneers are thin coverings that are attached to the front surface of the teeth. They are recommended when your tooth is broken, chipped or discoloured. Depending on what you want, you can get one to eight veneers to create an even appearance for your front teeth.

Unlike a crown, veneers require minimal preparation. A small part of your tooth is trimmed to create space for the veneers. An impression is then created to make the veneer. On the next appointment, the dentist roughens your tooth to hold the veneer in place. Ultraviolet light is shone on the restored tooth to harden the special cement that holds the veneer to the tooth.

So, What’s The Difference Between Crowns and Veneers?

1. Coverage

The primary difference between the two is that the crown covers the entire tooth while the veneer covers the front of the tooth.

1. Preparation

For the veneers, just a little thin layer of your tooth is removed to place the veneers. The dentist only touches the front of the tooth.

For crowns, 60% to 75% of the visible tooth is trimmed to place the crown. It is about four times what is reduced in veneers.

Are you thinking of getting crowns or veneers? The team at Admire Dentistry will take care of your needs. Visit our website to learn more about crowns and veneers or contact us to book an appointment with our dentist.