When it comes to restoring your smile, two popular options here at Dunedin Clinic in Exeter, dental crowns and dental veneers. While both serve to enhance the appearance of your teeth and can address various dental issues, they differ significantly in their applications, benefits, and the procedures involved. Understanding these differences is crucial in choosing the right option for your dental needs.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers a damaged or decayed tooth. It’s designed to restore the tooth’s shape, size, strength, and appearance. Crowns are typically made from materials like porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of these.
When Are Crowns Used?
Crowns are often recommended in situations where the tooth has been significantly compromised. This could be due to extensive decay, a large filling, a crack, or after a root canal treatment. Crowns are also used for cosmetic reasons, such as improving the appearance of misshapen or discoloured teeth.
The Benefits of Crowns
- Comprehensive Protection: Crowns encase the entire tooth, offering robust protection against further damage. This is particularly beneficial for teeth that have undergone extensive procedures or are structurally weak.
- Longevity: Due to their durability, crowns can last for many years, making them a long-term solution for tooth restoration.
- Functionality: Crowns restore full functionality to a damaged tooth, allowing you to bite and chew with confidence.
The Procedure: What to Expect
To place a crown, your dentist will need to prepare the tooth by removing a significant portion of the natural tooth structure. This ensures that the crown will fit snugly and securely. After this preparation, an impression is taken to create a custom crown that matches the exact dimensions of your tooth. Once ready, the crown is permanently cemented onto the tooth.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin shells, typically made of porcelain or composite resin, that cover only the front surface of the tooth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, addressing issues like discolouration, minor chips, gaps, or slightly misaligned teeth.
When Are Veneers Used?
Veneers are an excellent option for those looking to improve the appearance of their teeth without the need for extensive dental work. They are ideal for correcting aesthetic imperfections and providing a more uniform, brighter smile.
The Benefits of Veneers
- Minimal Tooth Alteration: Veneers require only a small amount of enamel to be removed from the front surface of the tooth, preserving more of your natural tooth structure.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Veneers are highly customizable and can be designed to match the colour, shape, and size of your natural teeth, offering a seamless, natural-looking result.
- Quick Transformation: The process of getting veneers is relatively quick, often completed in just a couple of dental visits.
The Procedure: What to Expect
The veneer process starts with the removal of a small amount of enamel from the front surface of the tooth to make room for the veneer. An impression is then taken to create a custom veneer that fits perfectly on the tooth. Once the veneer is ready, it is bonded to the tooth using a strong adhesive, instantly transforming your smile.
Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between crowns and veneers depends largely on your dental needs and the condition of your teeth.
- Choose Crowns if: You need to restore a tooth that is significantly damaged, weakened, or decayed. Crowns are also the better option if you’ve had a root canal or need to cover a large filling.
- Choose Veneers if: Your primary goal is cosmetic enhancement, and your teeth are generally healthy. Veneers are ideal for fixing minor imperfections and achieving a more uniform smile without the need for extensive tooth alteration.
To Request an appointment click here or call Dunedin Dental Clinic at 01392 363434 or 01392 363431 for an appointment in our Exeter Dental Practice.
