Is a damaged tooth or discolouration making you think twice about smiling in public?

A ceramic crown or veneer from a professional Cosmetic Dentist may be the solution for you. Cosmetic dentistry can do wonders for improving the appearance of your smile. This article delves into the differences between Dental Crowns vs Porcelain Veneers, so you can decide which option is right for you, helping you regain your confidence and, more importantly, your Amazing Smile.

Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are common dental restorations that can improve the appearance and function of teeth, but they serve different purposes.

What is a Dental Crown?

Dental crowns are often used to restore teeth that have been damaged, decayed, or weakened. A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap placed over a damaged or weakened tooth to protect and strengthen it. A crown is likely the best option if your tooth has a large filling, a root canal, or is very worn or cracked.

Crowns can be made of various materials, such as porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Crowns are typically more extensive restorations, as they cover the entire tooth and require more tooth structure to be removed to place them.

A porcelain crown, or cap, is used to cover a tooth suffering from some damage or discolouration: improving its appearance and protecting it from further damage.

Usually, if a tooth has undergone heavy filling, the remaining structure of the tooth may become too weak to support it. In cases like these, crowns covering the entire tooth provide added support, reducing further fracturing and damage.

Crowns are a durable option, and if surrounded by healthy, supportive teeth, a porcelain crown could provide a good decade of use.

What’s involved with getting a dental crown?

Getting a dental crown typically involves several steps and may require multiple visits to the dentist. Here’s an overview of the process:

Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They will examine your teeth and determine if a dental crown is the right treatment.
Tooth Preparation: During the first appointment, the dentist will numb the area around the affected tooth and remove any decay or old filling material. The tooth will be reshaped to create space for the crown.
Impression: After the tooth is prepared, an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth will be taken. This impression creates a custom crown that fits perfectly in your mouth.
Temporary Crown: While the permanent crown is being made in a dental laboratory, a temporary crown will be placed over the prepared tooth to protect it.
Crown Placement: Once the permanent crown is ready, you will return to the dentist for its placement. The dentist will check the fit and appearance of the crown before permanently cementing it in place.
Final Adjustments: The dentist may make some final adjustments to ensure the crown fits comfortably and aligns with your bite.
Aftercare: After getting a dental crown, taking care of it just like your natural teeth is essential. Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups will help maintain the crown’s longevity.

It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions for aftercare and attend regular dental visits to ensure the crown remains in good condition and continues to protect and strengthen your tooth.

What are Porcelain Dental Veneers?

Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are thin shells that are placed over the front surface of the teeth to improve their appearance. Veneers are typically used to correct cosmetic issues such as discolouration, chipping, or irregularly shaped teeth. They are made of a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the teeth’ front surface, requiring less tooth structure to be removed than dental crowns.

Porcelain Veneers are a thin 1 to 2mm thin porcelain material placed over the surface of a tooth.

Veneers improve the appearance of chipped, cracked or discoloured teeth that cannot be fixed by conventual teeth whitening methods.

Porcelain veneers do a great job of mimicking your natural teeth. They are stain resistant and, like crowns, can often last a good ten years of use.

However, a porcelain crown may be better in severe damage or tooth decay cases.

What’s involved with getting porcelain dental veneers?

Getting porcelain dental veneers involves several steps to achieve a beautiful and natural-looking smile. Here’s a detailed overview of the process:

Consultation: The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. During this appointment, you will discuss your smile goals and concerns, and the dentist will determine if porcelain veneers are the right option for you.
Examination and Planning: Your dentist will examine your teeth and take X-rays to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy and suitable for veneers. Together, you will plan the veneers’ desired shape, size, and shade to achieve your desired outcome.
Tooth Preparation: In most cases, a thin layer of enamel (usually less than a millimetre) is removed from the front surface of the teeth receiving the veneers. This is to create space for the veneers and ensure a proper fit. Local anesthesia may be used to numb the area during this process.
Impression: After tooth preparation, your dentist will take an impression or mould of your teeth. This impression will be sent to a dental laboratory where skilled technicians will craft your custom porcelain veneers.
Temporary Veneers: While your permanent veneers are being fabricated, your dentist may place them to protect your teeth and improve their appearance.
Veneer Placement: Once your custom veneers are ready, you will return for their placement. Your dentist will check the veneers’ fit, shape, and colour before permanently bonding them to your teeth.
Bonding: The dentist will use a special adhesive to bond the veneers to your teeth. A curing light may be used to harden the adhesive quickly.
Final Adjustments: After the veneers are bonded, your dentist will make any necessary adjustments to ensure they fit comfortably and harmoniously with your bite.
Aftercare: Once your porcelain veneers are in place, it’s important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups. Porcelain veneers are durable and stain-resistant but still require proper care to ensure longevity.

Porcelain dental veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile by correcting teeth imperfections such as discolouration, chipping, gaps, and misalignment. By following your dentist’s instructions for aftercare and maintaining regular dental visits, you can enjoy the benefits of your new radiant smile for many years.

Please book your appointment at any of our clinics to see one of our professional cosmetic dentists today. Regain that Amazing Smile!

In summary, dental crowns are typically used for therapeutic purposes to protect and strengthen damaged or weakened teeth. In contrast, porcelain veneers are used mainly for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of the teeth. Your dentist can recommend the best option for your specific situation based on the extent of damage or cosmetic issues, the health of the tooth, and your overall dental health.