Are you unhappy with the appearance of your teeth and seeking a solution to enhance your smile? Two of the most common options are dental veneers and crowns. While these two options may seem similar, they serve different purposes. So what exactly are the differences, and which option best suits your dental needs?
Dental Veneers:
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are usually made of porcelain, resin composite, or ceramic materials. Veneers are minimally invasive and often recommended for patients with chipped or stained teeth or uneven spacing. We can also use them to correct crooked teeth.
With veneers, we may need to remove a tiny portion of the tooth’s enamel to place the veneers properly, and the process may require a few visits to the dentist.
Crowns:
Crowns, also known as dental caps, cover the entire tooth and are often used to restore a damaged or broken tooth. We can also use them to support a weak tooth or replace a large filling. Crowns are usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal materials.
The preparation for a crown can be more invasive than with veneers, often requiring the removal of large portions of the decayed or damaged tooth. Crowns usually require two visits to the dentist, with a temporary crown placed in between appointments.
Benefits of Veneers and Crowns:
Dental veneers and crowns both have their benefits. Veneers offer a quick and minimally invasive way to improve the appearance of your teeth, giving you the aesthetic look you desire within a short time. On the other hand, crowns strengthen damaged or weakened teeth, ensuring their longevity and improving functionality. They can also be used as an alternative to tooth extraction and have a long lifespan.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Choosing between dental veneers and crowns depends on the desired outcome, dental health, and financial concerns. If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth without any significant damage to existing teeth, veneers could be the right option. Alternatively, if you are experiencing severe tooth decay or broken or weakened teeth, crowns may be necessary for restoring your dental health.
Ultimately, only a qualified dentist can determine if dental veneers suit you, so we recommend you schedule a consultation with Dr. Newman to determine if the veneers are right for you. A consultation is a conversation between you and your dentist about your oral health, dental history, and aesthetic goals. During this consultation, he will review all of the pros and cons of veneers and other alternatives for a smile makeover.
Dental Veneers Procedure
Dental veneers can offer a faster, less invasive process than dental crowns. It’s helpful to understand the steps involved in the placement procedure.
During your first visit, Dr. Newman will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. Next, we’ll make an impression of your teeth to create customized veneers.
Once the dental lab creates the veneers, Dr. Newman will carefully bond them to your teeth using a unique dental adhesive. Finally, we’ll remove any excess bonding material and make any necessary final adjustments to the veneers to ensure they fit snugly and look natural.
Dental Veneers in Tucson
Dental veneers and crowns are fantastic options for enhancing your smile and improving your dental health. Dental veneers may offer a more simple and effective solution for achieving a brighter, more confident smile. Ultimately, Dr. Dirk A. Newman will recommend the best option for you after evaluation and assessments.
At Newman Dental, our top priority is providing quality dental care to our patients. We offer various quality dental services in Tucson, Arizona. Our preventative dentistry services aim to maintain the health of your teeth and gums, helping you avoid future dental issues. For those seeking cosmetic dentistry, we offer a range of treatments to improve the appearance of your smile, such as teeth whitening and veneers. Lastly, our restorative dentistry services can repair damaged teeth and improve their function. Contact us today to book your appointment and start your journey to a perfect smile.
