Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns are options to restore your teeth. They can improve both the function and the look of your teeth. However, the main difference is that a porcelain veneer only covers the front of your tooth. A crown will cover the entire tooth. Before deciding which one is right for you, you will want to understand the differences between them. Both of the procedures have good success rates.
What’s the Difference?
A porcelain veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is about a millimeter thick. It is a shell that is bonded to the front of your tooth. On the other hand, a crown is about two millimeters thick. You can think of it as a sort of cap that will cover your entire tooth. The condition, as well as the location, of the tooth you want to be restored, will determine which one is right for you. A few common conditions include:
- Decayed teeth.
- Crooked teeth.
- Discolored teeth.
- Cracked, broken, or chipped teeth.
What Is a Veneer?
A veneer will cover only the front portion of your teeth. The veneer is not as invasive as a crown because once it is placed, your underlying tooth will be mostly intact. To ensure the right fit, about half of a millimeter of your tooth’s enamel will need to be removed. This will also ensure that it is rough enough.
Depending on the type of veneer you get, you may not need as much enamel removed. Many times, you may not even need a local anesthetic for the procedure. You may be a good candidate for dental veneers if you have enough enamel to support the procedure.
What Are Porcelain Crowns?
A crown, on the other hand, will cover your entire tooth. More of your tooth will need to be ground down to help the crown fit. This is because the crown is thicker than the veneer. Sometimes, a crown is used to protect the tooth after tooth decay. If there is any remaining decay, the dentist will first remove this and then take impressions for the crown.
If you are getting a crown to fix worn teeth, you may need to have the tooth built up. Damaged teeth may also need to be built up before they can have the crown placed. The dentist can use dental bonding for this. If necessary, you may have a local anesthetic.
You will then have impressions taken. This will ensure that the crown will not place your bite out of alignment. You may need to wait about two weeks for the crown to come in. But you should receive a temporary crown to wear in the meanwhile.
Both porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns can restore the appearance of your smile. If you are interested in learning more about either crowns or veneers, please contact our office today. Our staff members at PGA Dentistry in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, are here and ready to help you decide on the right option for your smile.
Board certified in dental implant surgery and caring for Palm Beach Gardens patients since 1987.