Looking for a way to treat a damaged tooth while boosting your smile’s appearance? Schedule a consultation with your dental professional to find the best way to get a healthy and beautiful smile. Your dentist can develop a personalized treatment plan to get you the smile of your dreams.
A dentist may recommend several types of treatments with similar procedures and purposes, but how do these dental solutions differ? Claremont Dental Institute, a dental practice located in Claremont, CA, provides insight into the differences between two popular dental treatments: dental crowns and porcelain veneers.
Dental Crowns Vs. Porcelain Veneers
Restore Damaged Teeth with Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a ceramic cap that a dentist creates individually for each patient in their dental lab. It is a restorative dental tool, meaning its purpose is to help improve the function and structure of a tooth after it has sustained damage.
The dentist uses impressions of a patient’s smile to create the crown. When the fixture is ready, the patient returns to the dentist’s office to have it put into place.
The dentist removes a small portion of enamel during this procedure to make room for the cap, and then they seal the crown into place. Because the crown is custom-made, it can be used to improve a tooth’s appearance as well, making it whiter and more regularly shaped as needed. The crown will last for fifteen or more years with proper maintenance.
Enhance Your Smile’s Appearance with Porcelain Veneers
As with a dental crown, your dentist will create porcelain veneers on an individual basis for each patient. While crowns are a restorative treatment, dentists use veneers as a cosmetic dental solution. This means that they serve a smile enhancement purpose specifically.
However, veneers can offer oral health benefits as well. The cap-like shells of veneers secure to the front of a patient’s teeth to create a whiter and straighter smile, but they can also cover dental damage and preserve a vulnerable tooth in these areas in a similar way to a crown.
Like dental crowns, the dentist must remove a minute amount of enamel to prepare the affected teeth for porcelain veneers. Veneers adhere to the teeth with bonding and can remain in place for fifteen years if a patient takes care of them well.
Your dentist can recommend aftercare advice to ensure your veneers provide long-term benefits, and they can do the same for your dental crown. You should continue visiting your dental professional for regular appointments to ensure your dental work in both treatments remains in place.
The Process: What to Expect
Getting a crown or veneers usually takes two visits to our Claremont dental office. For crowns, the first visit involves preparing the tooth, taking impressions, and placing a temporary crown. The second visit is when we permanently fit your crown to your tooth. Veneers follow a similar process, but since they only cover the front of teeth, we remove much less enamel.
Both procedures use local anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Our dentists will ensure your restoration matches the color and shape of your teeth. While you wait for your permanent crown or veneers, you might wear a temporary version. You should avoid sticky or hard foods during this time.
Which Option is Right for You?
Choosing between crowns and veneers depends on your specific needs. Crowns are typically the better choice when a tooth is severely damaged, weakened, or has undergone a root canal, because they provide full coverage and structural support. Veneers are best for fixing cosmetic concerns like isolated stains, small chips, or minor gaps in otherwise healthy teeth.
During your consultation, our Claremont dentists will examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend the best option for you. Factors like your oral health, budget, and long-term expectations all play a role in this decision.
Caring for Your Crown or Veneers
With proper care, both crowns and veneers can last over a decade. Brush and floss daily, just like you would with real teeth, to keep your restoration and the surrounding gums healthy. Avoid habits like chewing ice, biting nails, or using your teeth as tools, as these can damage your dental work. If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist about a night guard to protect your investment.
Regular dental checkups are also extremely important. Our dentists can spot any issues early and keep your smile looking its best. While crowns and veneers are durable, they aren’t indestructible, so taking these steps will help them last as long as possible.
Learn More At Claremont Dental Institute
Claremont Dental Institute offers both dental crowns and porcelain veneers to patients of all ages in Claremont, CA. Our practice specializes in general, holistic, cosmetic, implant, and restorative dentistry, including periodontal care and oral surgeries. To schedule an appointment with us, reach our office by phone at (909) 277-6919 or request an appointment online anytime.