Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: The Difference, Procedure, and Purpose

Many people struggle with understanding the difference between dental crowns and veneers. It is important to know what the benefits are of each when choosing between them.

Veneers / Crowns

Veneers and crowns are both dental restoration methods that improve the look and function of your teeth.

What are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns act as a protective cover for a damaged or filled tooth. Typically, a dental crown is 2mm thick and covers the whole tooth, providing support and resilience whilst restoring its appearance.

Why Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are durable making them ideal if you’re prone to grinding your teeth. The help to strengthen the broken or decayed tooth and improve its appearance. A dental crown can be applied where there is not enough tooth structure to support a veneer. Dental crowns typically last longer than veneers.

What’s Involved with Getting a Crown?

With a traditional crown, you will have to visit your dentist’s office twice.

The first time you visit, you will need a temporary crown to protect the tooth. The dentist will file down and remove part of the outer layer of the tooth, create an impression of your trimmed tooth and finally, apply the temporary crown to protect it. With same-day procedures, a temporary crown isn’t necessary.

After that, the dentist will send the impression to a lab that makes the crown, which could take several weeks. On your second visit, the crown is made there and then in the office, until it is ready to be cemented in place.

What are Veneers?

Dental veneers are ceramic or porcelain facings that are primarily used to cover small gaps between the teeth and hide imperfections such as cracks, chipping and stains. Unlike crowns, veneers only cover parts of the tooth. They are also usually used for cosmetic purposes, and last between 10-15 years.

While long term complications of veneers are extremely uncommon, the treatment is irreversible because the natural tooth’s enamel has to be removed. At Acorn Dental Health, we offer porcelain veneers at reasonable prices and work with you to achieve a natural-looking result.

Why Veneers?

Veneers are primarily used for appearance, whereas crowns can provide more protection for teeth when needed. If you have more severely damaged teeth, it might be best to consider a crown.

What’s Involved with Getting a Veneer?

Getting a dental veneer usually requires three trips to the dentist - one for a consultation and then two to make and apply the veneers. Similar to the process of getting a crown, you will have impressions taken of your teeth which will be sent to a laboratory where expert technicians create the veneers. After this, the veneers will be bonded to your natural teeth. The tooth surface is cleaned, polished and roughened to create a reliable bond. A special adhesive is then applied which hardens quickly.

Looking for crown / veneer services in Southampton? At Acorn Dental Health we provide affordable crown and veneer services and work with you closely to gain a look that is personally suited to you. Contact us today.