Cosmetic dentistry is an excellent way to address a number of dental issues. From issues with the appearance of your smile to correcting misaligned teeth, cosmetic dentistry often relies on the use of dental crowns and veneers to make these changes.
Since both veneers and crowns are often used in dental procedures, it can be difficult for the layperson to know which is best for their circumstances. An easy rule of thumb is that crowns are best for reconstruction, and veneers are ideal for cosmetic-focused changes. However, there is a bit more to it than just a quick rule, so our dentists here at Bridge Creek Dental have some more insights.
How Are Dental Crowns And Veneers Different
The main difference between dental crowns and veneers is their construction. A crown is created to cover the entirety of your tooth and is 2 millimeters (mm) thick. As a dental crown is meant to take bite pressure, its thicker size serves well. Crowns can be made of several materials, from metal alloys, composite resin, porcelain fused with a metal alloy for strength, or an all-porcelain crown.
With veneers, they are designed to cover the outward-facing part of your tooth and are layered over the front of your teeth. Veneers are also thinner than crowns and are generally only 1 mm thick. Porcelain is the preferred material used for veneers, but sometimes composite resin veneers are used, as well as other materials.
What Do Dental Crowns Do Best
Dental crowns are predominantly designed to protect a tooth after it has been compromised by tooth decay and requires a root canal to clear out the infection. After cleaning out the affected tooth, often, the tooth is ground too far and exposed for a simple filling to protect it. In these cases, only a dental crown will do to protect the tooth.
Along with protecting teeth post-root canal, crowns are the best solution for reshaping back teeth, as veneers are not designed for the high amount of pressure that is exerted on molars. So, if you have cracked or broken a molar, a dental crown is the ideal option to restore your tooth.
When Should You Pick Veneers
The best situation to choose veneers is when your teeth are already healthy, as you need healthy teeth as a base for your veneers. With healthy teeth, veneers can be used to reshape what your smile looks like. Also, while veneers require the removal of some of the enamel of your teeth, they are not as invasive to have put on as dental crowns.
Unlike a dental crown, which is designed to take the pressure, veneers are placed over the surface of a healthy tooth to create a whiter, straighter, and more even appearance to your smile. As it is a surface application, veneers are generally only placed on the front teeth, where less pressure is applied.
However, neither crowns or veneers are reversible, so be sure these dental services are what you want to maintain before investing.
Find Veneers And Crowns In Billings, MT
You don’t have to know for sure whether you want crowns or veneers before coming in for a cosmetic dentistry consultation at Bridge Creek Dental. With a visit to our Billings, MT dental clinic, our dentists can help you determine if crowns, veneers, or a combination of the two are best suited for you or your needs.
Should you need dental crowns, veneers, or just a really thorough dental cleaning, you can count on Bridge Creek Dental. All you need to do is contact us to arrange your appointment, and we will do our best to help you have the healthiest smile possible!