What Are the Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers?

There are many ways to treat and restore your teeth today.  Patients looking to improve their smile may be deciding on whether to get a crown, veneer, or both. While the two have some similarities, the two different types of restorations vary in their design, purpose, preparation, and placement.

What Are Crowns?

A dental crown is a cover that encases the entire tooth, fitting like a “cap”. Crowns are typically primarily made from porcelain, and one of the primary ways of restoring a tooth that is damaged or weak. Veneers are made from porcelain and composite resin material. Veneers are thinner than crows and cover only one side of the tooth’s surface, rather than fitting the entire tooth, making them ideal for fixing cosmetic issues.

Crowns typically encase the entire tooth, while veneers only cover one a tooth’s front surface. Since crowns encase the tooth, they require a significant amount of tooth trimming. In preparation for a crown placement the tooth is reduced in size and shaped to a tapered nub. When the crown is cemented, it becomes the new outer surface for the tooth. Thus, crowns give the tooth a new color and shape. Veneers, only cover the front side of the tooth and are wafer thin (1 mm thickness or less). Since veneers are so thin, less tooth trimming is required. Some veneer techniques do not require any reduction at all. In general the placement is less traumatic for the tooth

Still unsure about dental crowns vs. veneers? The easiest way to find the right option is to consult with Dr. A.J. Peretz of Georgetown Smile.

You can call today to book a consultation by calling 202-333-0003