Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers: Your Questions Answered

Dental crowns and veneers are two different types of restoration that can revive lost confidence in your smile while improving the function of your teeth. You may have decided already that you’d like a cosmetic dental procedure to achieve these aims, but you might not be sure which you need. 

For this reason, we’ve compiled a list of the most questions asked about dental crowns vs. veneers. The primary difference is that a crown will cover the entire tooth or can be used to cap a dental implant, whereas veneers cover the front of your teeth.

While both procedures are very effective, they are quite different. Having an understanding of what’s involved in each may help you make decisions about which is right for you.

In this guide, we’ll discuss crowns and veneers and provide you with the benefits of each while exploring the procedures involved in their placement.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin shells that a dentist will bond to the front of your teeth. Think of them as being similar to a false nail. They’re that fine. Veneers improve the function of your teeth while providing you with a dazzling new smile that you’re going to love showing off.

Before we place your veneers, we’ll ensure they’re carefully colour-matched to the natural shade of your teeth. They’re typically made from porcelain, however, we also offer an alternative composite no-prep option. 

What Are the Benefits of Veneers?

You may want to consider veneers if you have mild issues surrounding the position of your teeth. Where misalignments are so slight, going through orthodontic treatment can often feel unnecessary. Other issues fixed by veneers include:

• Stained or dark teeth
• Misshapen teeth
• Chipped or damaged teeth
• Unevenly spaced teeth

Having veneers placed on several teeth in a row will provide uniformity while looking completely natural. Your teeth will appear whiter and brighter, giving you a dazzling smile that looks amazing. 

How Are Veneers Placed?

Traditional porcelain veneers are usually placed over two appointments. In the first appointment, we’ll take digital impressions of your teeth. These will be used to carefully craft veneers that are perfect for your teeth.

In the next appointment, we’ll place the veneers. Before we do this, we’ll prepare your teeth by removing a thin layer of enamel so that the veneer can sit snugly in place.

No-prep veneers use a much quicker process. There’s no need for impressions, and we can apply the materials directly to your teeth before perfectly shaping them in situ. There are no drills or scary tools and it’s not uncommon for the whole process to take less than an hour.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are different from veneers in that they completely cover your tooth. You may need crowns if:

• Your tooth is badly damaged or decayed
• Your tooth is severely worn, cracked, or broken
• You’re having a bridge placed to fill a neighbouring gap
• You have a badly discolored tooth

What Are the Benefits of Dental Crowns?

A dental crown can fully restore the function and appearance of your tooth. In addition to this, it will also help prevent further decay or damage to the existing tooth by completely covering it.

Porcelain crowns not only look fantastic, but they also allow you to enjoy all of your favourite meals with confidence.

How Are Dental Crowns Made?

We offer crowns that are made of metal, resin, or porcelain. There are benefits to each option. 

• Metal crowns are very hard wearing. Because they’re less subtle than other materials, these are ideally placed on the teeth at the back of the mouth.
• Resin is a cost-effective choice that can closely match the colour of your teeth, Because they’re not as durable as the other options, they may need replacing sooner.
• Porcelain crowns can be made to closely resemble your natural teeth. But not only do they look great, they’re also pretty resilient.

Each crown will be skillfully made in a lab using impressions from your mouth.

How Are Dental Crowns Placed?

Initially, we’ll carry out an assessment of the affected tooth. The next step is to start reshaping your existing tooth so that the crown will fit perfectly around it. Once this is done, we’ll take digital impressions. These will allow the lab to create the perfect crown for you. 

While the final crown is being made, we’ll place a temporary restoration in place. If you think this looks good, wait until you see the one we make for you.

Alternatively, we are able to offer same-day crowns. We’ll make these straight away using our hi-tech Primescan and milling unit. Once they’re ready, we can place them right away.

What Are the Other Uses for Dental Crowns?

A dental crown may also be used in conjunction with a bridge. In this instance, they will be attached to a pontic, which is a fake tooth that is used to fill a gap left by one you’ve lost. Often, a bridge will require crowns to be placed on either side of the gap to fully support the pontic.

Another use for crowns is to replace the entire visible portion of your tooth when getting dental implants. Dental implants are titanium posts that replace the root structure of your tooth, and are used to anchor the replacement crown into position.

Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

When a tooth has had a root canal, a big filling, or is excessively cracked or worn, you may be best going for a crown.

If, however, the tooth remains largely intact and you’re primarily looking for a cosmetic restoration or to correct minor shape and alignment issues, veneers are the way to go.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’ve got more questions about crowns or veneers, the dentists in our Surrey and Sutton clinics will always be able to assist you in making the right choice for your needs.

Call 020 8337 0629 today to schedule your crown or veneer consultation at our clinic in Cheam, Chessignton, and Stonecot.