Most of us don’t have a “perfect” smile. Thankfully, restorative dentistry makes it possible to improve both the look and function of your smile.
Two of the most popular dental restorations are veneers and crowns. Both can be used to address chips, discoloration, staining, and a range of other concerns. And here’s the best part: we offer both veneers and crowns at Orange City Modern Dentistry, so you don’t have to visit a separate cosmetic dentistry office.
So, how do you decide on dental crowns vs. veneers? Since every person is different, the best approach is to visit your dentist for a consultation. However, it’s helpful to go into that conversation with a basic understanding of these smile makeover options. Here’s what you need to know.
Veneers: An Overview
Veneers are like covers that fit just over the front surface of your tooth. You might think of them as a mask. Typically, veneers are made from porcelain, although composite resin alternatives do exist.
Benefits of Veneers
Veneers basically “hide” your tooth. Once a tooth is covered by a veneer, people who look at you will no longer see your natural tooth. Instead, they’ll see the veneers. This makes veneers really useful for hiding a range of dental imperfections. Some patients use them to hide teeth with minor to moderate cracks or chips. Others use them to hide stained or discolored teeth. Veneers are also popular with patients whose teeth are “too small” or have unusually wide gaps between them.
Veneers don’t change or improve the way your teeth function. They are purely a cosmetic dentistry option. However, if you feel self-conscious about your teeth, veneers can help improve your self-confidence. Self-confidence can have far-reaching benefits, both in your personal and professional life.
Another benefit of veneers is that they can be customized. If you want a bright, white smile reminiscent of Hollywood, you can have it. On the other hand, if you want a more natural look, we can do that, too. Veneers can be made in any shade, from sparkling white to off-white.
Lifespan of Veneers
A set of veneers typically lasts 10 – 20 years. The better you care for your veneers, the longer they’ll last. Luckily, they’re easy to care for. Simply brush and floss your teeth like normal, avoid overly crunchy foods, and keep up with your routine dental appointments.
When your veneers do chip, crack, or begin to show other signs of wear, they can be replaced quite easily.
The Treatment Timeline
For veneers, Orange City dentists usually require three appointments, spaced a week or two apart.
At the first visit, your dentist will discuss your desired outcome and show you samples to get a better idea of the look you’re trying to achieve. They’ll also do a basic exam to ensure your teeth are healthy enough for veneers. In some cases, they may discuss alternative cosmetic dentistry options, like crowns, that also address your concerns.
The second visit will focus on preparing your teeth for the veneers. First, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the surface of your teeth. This is to make space for the veneers. After the enamel is removed, measurements will be taken and sent to the lab, where your veneers will be made. In most cases, your dentist will place temporary veneers on your teeth to protect them while the permanent veneers are being made.
At your third and final appointment, your dentist will attach the veneers to your teeth using a specialized bonding agent. This won’t hurt, and it only takes a few minutes.
After the veneers are put into place, your teeth may be sensitive for a few days, but this sensitivity will soon fade. Chewing may feel awkward for a day or two, so you may want to stick to soft foods at first. However, you’ll be able to resume your normal diet within a few days, as soon as you feel comfortable doing so.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
The following are signs that you’re a good candidate for veneers:
- Your dental concerns are primarily cosmetic, and not functional.
- You’re mostly worried about the appearance of your front teeth.
- You plan on maintaining a good oral hygiene routine for years to come.
- You can commit to an initial treatment process of up to one month.
Dental Crowns: An Overview
If a veneer is like a mask for your tooth, a crown is like a helmet. In other words, a crown covers the entire tooth, not just the front. Years ago, crowns were often made from metal. Now, most crowns are made from tooth-colored porcelain or composite resin.
Benefits of Crowns
While veneers are purely a cosmetic dentistry restoration, crowns can be used for both cosmetic and functional purposes. Crowns don’t just hide the tooth; they also protect it.
A crown can help keep a tooth with a large cavity, chip, or crack from breaking any further. It can also hide a tooth that is badly discolored due to damage or staining. Thanks to today’s modern materials, nobody will notice your dental crown. It will look like a normal, natural tooth in your mouth. Your dentist can customize the color to match your teeth exactly.
Lifespan of Crowns
A dental crown can last a lifetime, although it’s also not uncommon for them to need replacement 15 or 20 years down the road. Porcelain does not decay like natural tooth enamel, but you will need to keep brushing and flossing the crowned tooth to keep the gum tissue and the surrounding tooth in good health.
Sometimes a crown needs to be replaced because the crown itself has cracked or worn out. Other times, your dentist may need to replace the crown because the tooth beneath it needs some additional work or treatment.
The Treatment Timeline
In most cases, having a dental crown placed requires two appointments. At the first appointment, your dentist will prepare the tooth and take measurements to send to the lab. You’ll return home from this appointment with a temporary crown to protect your tooth. At your second appointment, your dentist will use specialized cement to fix the permanent crown to your tooth.
Some dental offices also offer same-day crowns. In this case, all of the measuring, molding, and fitting will be done in one session. This is one of the best smile makeover options for many patients who have badly injured or decayed teeth.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
For restorative and cosmetic dentistry, DeBary dentists often recommend crowns for patients with these concerns:
- Your tooth has been treated with root canal therapy.
- You’ve had a large cavity that compromises the strength of your tooth.
- Your tooth has been badly cracked or chipped, or is at risk of fracturing.
- Your tooth is highly misshapen.
Cosmetic dentistry is about more than good looks. Both veneers and crowns have benefits that extend beyond the mirror. Whether you’re in need of crowns or veneers, Orange City Modern Dentistry can help. Contact us to schedule a consultation with Dr. Labrada and learn more about these and other modern ways to improve your smile.