When it comes to a perfect smile, crowns and veneers are two popular options that can transform your teeth. However, understanding the differences between these dental restorations and considering the advice of expert cosmetic dentists is vital to making the right decision.
Chicago cosmetic dentist Dr. Nathan Hoffman, explains: “Although crowns and veneers are both used to restore teeth, the two procedures are completely different.” Crowns are used when the structure of a tooth is significantly compromised and requires functional correction, along with aesthetic enhancement. Veneers, on the other hand, are mostly used for cosmetic purposes when a tooth has minimal damage.
“For crowns, we have to shave the tooth 360 degrees. When we prepare the tooth for veneers, we only touch the front side of the tooth,” explains New York cosmetic dentist Nargiz Schmidt, DDS. “This decision is usually made by a dentist based on the condition of your teeth, their position and the end goal. If a tooth has a lot of old discolored fillings or active cavities, a crown may be the best solution. If the tooth is mostly intact and the goal is to make it appear lighter or improve its shape, a veneer may be the best solution.” So how do we choose between crowns and veneers? Experts explain what you need to know.
How crowns are placed
In general, crowns replace the entire portion of the tooth above the gum line, according to Charlotte, NC cosmetic dentist Patrick J. Broome, DMD. They are suitable for the reconstruction of significant damage to the teeth and can be made of various materials. “Crowns can be cemented or welded, depending on the material used,” says Dr. Broome.
When it comes to crowns, Dr. Broome notes that they have excellent strength and durability when properly designed. “Crown preparation is taught in all dental schools, so all dentists should be familiar with it,” he says. “However, once the tooth structure is removed, it can only be replaced by artificial products. There must be sufficient tooth volume to provide support for a crown.”
How veneers are installed
Veneers cover only a portion of the tooth, usually focusing on the front teeth to improve shape, length, width and brightness. “A tooth being restored with a veneer will be polished very lightly to bond the fine ceramic to the tooth,” notes Dr. Hoffman. Veneers are made of porcelain or glass ceramic and an adhesive bond is used to bond them to the underlying structure.
“The aesthetic outcome is entirely dependent on the experience and planning of the physician and the artistic ability of the lab artist they use,” adds Dr. Broome. “Veneers and smile design are not usually taught in dental schools. Many dentists are inexperienced and unfamiliar with veneer design requirements as well as smile design cases that typically involve treating 10 to 28 teeth at once.”
Crowns or veneers: A proper assessment
The experts we spoke with emphasized that proper diagnosis and planning by an experienced dentist are essential in determining the best smile restoration approach. “Crowns and veneers are not necessarily something a patient can choose, and it will be the doctor’s job to correctly diagnose what each tooth needs for the right aesthetic restoration,” explains Dr. Hoffman.
“Your dentist will choose what is best based on the condition of your teeth and your smile goals,” adds Dr. Schmidt. “Remember, in most cases, no one will know if you’ve improved your smile with crowns or veneers. Both look very esthetic and your dentist should choose the best one [option] for the longevity and function of your smile.”
Maintenance movements
Regardless of which restoration you get, Dr. Broome says maintenance is the key to longevity. “Proper brushing and flossing are needed to reduce the risk of recurrent decay around crowns or veneers,” he says.
