Crowns or Veneers: Which Is Right for You?
October 24, 2016
Crowns and veneers are a common way to correct physical defects in your teeth. These two procedures aren’t identical, though, and each one is better for certain issues. If you have a tooth that needs some correction, you can talk to your dentist about these two options. Here is a look at what kinds of issues each one treats.
Discolored Teeth
Many people experience discoloration of their teeth over time, and it can be too severe for simple whitening treatments. In this instance, veneers are a good option. As a thin laminate of porcelain or resin, veneers attach to the front of your teeth and hide discoloration.
Breaks and Chips
While veneers are a good option for small chips or defects, a tooth that has little left is better repaired with a crown. A crown is basically a cap placed atop a damaged tooth to fill in some empty space. A crown can also strengthen a weakened tooth and prevent further breakage. When cemented in place, a crown may fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth.
Baby Teeth
While many procedures are held off until a child gets their second set of teeth in, there are times when primary teeth need some extra care. If a primary (baby) tooth is severely damaged, a crown is a good way to strengthen the tooth until it is ready to come out on its own.
Depending on the exact kind of tooth damage you have, a crown or veneer may work for you. In cases where you only need a minor cosmetic fix, a veneer is often the better choice. However, in cases of severe damage where very little tooth is left, a crown will better strengthen the remaining piece. If you have any questions regarding these two procedures, call our office to schedule an appointment today. We’ll walk you through all the necessary considerations to determine which option is right for you.