Dental veneers and crowns can serve similar purposes. For example, they are restorations and can be used to repair chips and tooth fractures, but to different degrees. We can also use them in cosmetic dentistry to hide tooth flaws. However, there are situations where one option may be better for your needs than the other.
Continue reading to learn more about these restorations, including which one might be better for your dental needs.
About Dental Crowns in Casino
In its most common capacity, a dental crown is a tooth cover that fits over an existing tooth after we have treated and prepared it for crowning. Preparation involves shaping the tooth and smoothing it for crown placement. The tooth cap is shaped and coloured to look like neighbouring teeth.
We might recommend or use dental crowns for the following reasons.
After Root Canal Treatment
Root canal infections in your tooth often render the foundation weak and put the tooth at risk for breakage or a future fracture. A dental crown in the weeks following root canal therapy helps protect the tooth from potential issues. In this case, the crown creates a safe space between your chewing and the treated tooth beneath the dental crown.
After a Tooth Injury, Crumbling or Trauma
A fractured tooth is typically at risk for loss. Sometimes, a dental crown mitigates this risk by encasing the injured tooth and reestablishing safe chewing.
Topping a Dental Implant Post
Single dental implants in Casino consist of a replacement tooth root topped with a dental crown. The custom crown is the part of your implant that shows above the gumline, restoring smile aesthetics and chewing ability. Implants may also promote improved oral health.
Connecting a Dental Bridge
A dental bridge is one or two artificial teeth connected via a bridge. On either end of the bridge, you’ll find a dental crown. The crowns encase the healthy tooth to the left and right of your smile gap, which allows the bridge teeth to restore your smile and bite.
Hiding Tooth Imperfections
Sometimes, patients choose dental crowns in cosmetic dentistry to conceal aesthetic issues like short teeth, discolouration, chips, cracks and more. However, the crown is not the only restoration that can hide tooth imperfections. In this capacity, they are like dental veneers.
About Dental Veneers in Casino
A dental veneer is more of a cosmetic restoration than a dental crown. However, a veneer can protect a chipped or cracked tooth, concealing while safeguarding.
Dental veneers are thin but durable tooth shells cemented to the forward-facing parts of teeth. To provide a natural-looking finish, your dentist removes a bit of dental enamel. This ensures a flush and non-bulky result. However, enamel removal means you must consider your veneers permanent. You must see your Casino dentist for a repair or replacement if one is lost or broken.
Veneers can be constructed from various materials, but we’re pleased to offer porcelain in our dental clinic. Porcelain looks most like biological tooth enamel, allowing for a natural-looking finish.
Cosmetic issues that dental crowns can conceal:
- Gummy Smiles: A gummy smile means too much gum tissue shows when you smile.
- Small Gaps Between Teeth: Veneers can close these gaps and reestablish your midline.
- Short or Worn Teeth: Veneers can provide a uniform appearance across your smile, suggesting teeth of matching height. This approach can also improve your bite through levelling.
- Slightly Crooked Teeth: Veneers can give the illusion of straight teeth when misalignment is slight or minor.
- Discoloured Teeth: Teeth whitening can lift most stains, but for stubborn discolouration bonding, veneers or crowns may be the best course.
- Chips, Cracks and General Flaws: Veneers hide the superficial flaws you want to conceal.
Comparing Dental Veneers and Tooth Crowns
A dental crown is the first choice for a tooth at serious risk for future damage or loss. It is also the only choice in single dental crown treatment and is recommended for bridgework.
When smile issues are purely aesthetic, you can choose the option that best fits your needs. Let’s compare!
Tooth Preparation
Typically, your dentist removes less tooth material to fit you with a crown than a veneer. However, this is not always the case. During your consultation, your dentist will let you know which option allows you to preserve more tooth structure.
Versatility
A dental veneer often hides more tooth flaws than a dental crown. For example, both can hide an abnormally shaped tooth, but only a dental veneer can conceal a gummy smile.
Upkeep and Maintenance
Veneers and crowns do not require special upkeep or added maintenance. However, it would be best to continue seeing your dentist regularly for checks and cleans and implement excellent oral hygiene to prevent restoration failure, tooth decay, and even gum disease.
We suggest not biting directly into sticky foods with your crowns or veneers. Also, never use teeth or restorations to open packages, unscrew caps or the like.
Comparing Costs
Costs will vary based on the complexity of your case, the number of needed restorations, and the restoration choice.
Fortunately, we work with ZipPay. A team member can help you apply, and decisions are usually prompt. ZipPay allows you to pay for your treatment over time.
Can We Help You Restore Your Smile?
Restorative dentistry starts with a comprehensive consultation. So, if you have a damaged or cosmetically flawed tooth (or teeth), we encourage you to contact a dental team member today to book an appointment with your cosmetic dentist in Casino, NSW.