More than half of all Americans are insecure about their teeth. Are you one of them? Why not get a smile upgrade?
there are plenty of ways that you can improve your smile with the help of a dentist or orthodontist. You can get braces, dental implants, veneers, crowns, etc.
When it comes to a dental crown vs veneer, though, what’s the difference? Let’s talk about these two options so you can decide if one of them is right for you. Read on to learn more in this quick crown and veneer guide.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A dental crown is like a tooth-colored cap that goes over a pre-existing tooth or dental implant. The crown will resemble a real tooth, and most people won’t be able to notice the difference.
When someone gets a dental crown, it usually means that they have serious damage to the affected tooth. It may be worn down, decayed, cracked, or otherwise in poor condition.
Dental crowns can be cosmetic, but for the most part, they’re protective. They add an extra layer to keep the tooth safe.
When a patient gets a crown, they’ll first go through the restorative procedure that they need (usually a filling or root canal). The dentist will take a mold of their tooth and place a temporary crown to keep it safe.
When the “real” crown is done, the dentist will place it and make any adjustments necessary, so it feels and looks natural.
Sometimes, crowns can be placed in a single day, but this is usually only the case when it comes to children’s dentistry and orthodontics rather than dentistry for adults.
What Is a Veneer?
A veneer is also a cover that you put over a pre-existing tooth, but usually for different reasons.
Instead of a cap, a veneer is more like a shield. It goes over the front of the tooth instead of over the entire thing. People who get veneers usually have healthy teeth underneath (and that’s often a prerequisite for getting them at all).
Veneers can be made from porcelain or composite material. They’re cosmetic, meaning that they’re there to improve the appearance of the patient’s teeth.
People can get veneers for a wide variety of reasons. Their teeth may be too small, misshapen, cracked, or slightly crooked (but not enough for braces). Some people even get veneers so they can have whiter smiles.
When a patient gets veneers, their dentist will first grind down their teeth to make space and to make a rougher surface (that will be easier for the veneer to adhere to). They may place temporary veneers to protect the teeth.
Once the “real” veneers are done, the dentist will adhere them to the patient’s natural teeth with cement. Patients can have single individual veneers or a full smile of veneers.
Dental Crown vs Veneer: Which Is Right for You?
So, dental crown vs veneer: which of these dental procedures do you need?
If you have a damaged tooth, a dental crown is your best bet. If you just want a perfect celebrity smile, then you’re likely in the market for veneers! Talk to your dentist today to determine the right procedure for your smile goals.
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