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Porcelain Veneers or Crowns: Which Dental Procedure Is Right For Me?
Posted on July 15th, 2022
There are a few cosmetic options to choose from when you want to repair your smile. The two most popular ways to improve the look of your smile are with porcelain veneers and crowns. Both procedures can be completed in one to two visits and give you a brand-new smile that lasts for years.
It can be hard to decide which dental procedure will be best for you. Keep reading to learn more about both procedures and which one might be the best fit for your needs.
What Is a Porcelain Veneer?
A veneer is a type of dental covering. Veneers can address many cosmetic issues, including tooth discoloration, misalignment, and gaps between teeth. It also improves your smile’s appearance by making teeth appear whiter, straighter, and more even.
The veneer itself is essentially a dental cap that’s adhered to the front surface of your natural tooth. They are made of tooth-colored materials, usually ceramic or porcelain, and can be used to correct a variety dental issues.
Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available today. There are many benefits of getting porcelain veneers, including:
- Improved Appearance
Porcelain veneers can dramatically improve the appearance of your smile. Additionally, they can correct various cosmetic issues, such as stained or discolored teeth, chipped or broken teeth, misshapen teeth, and gaps between teeth. - Looks Natural
Dental veneers are made to match the color, shape, and size of your natural teeth. This ensures that your new smile looks completely natural. - Durable
Porcelain veneers are solid and durable. With proper care, they can last for many years. - Simple to Maintain
Veneers are easy to take care of and require very little special cleaning or maintenance. Once they’re added to your teeth, you can brush and floss as you usually would. - Boosts Self Confidence
Let’s not forget how porcelain veneers can give you a beautiful smile that you’ll be proud to show off. This can boost your self-confidence and improve your quality of life.
What Is a Dental Crown?
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that’s designed to cover your tooth completely. Crowns are typically made of metal or porcelain. When you decide to have a crown installed, your dentist will first remove some of your natural tooth to make room for the new crown.
Next, they will fabricate a crown for your tooth and cement it in place. A crown adds strength and durability to your tooth and can last many years.
A crown can also be added to a tooth weakened by gum disease, injury, or decay. Covering the tooth with a crown can prevent the tooth from losing more strength, keeping your tooth healthy and strong. A crown can also change the shape, size, length, or position of your tooth, in turn improving the appearance of your smile.
Benefits of Dental Crowns
There are many benefits to installing dental crowns, including:
- Enhanced Function
Crowns can improve the function of your teeth by restoring your ability to eat and chew properly. Restorations are cemented onto the teeth, where they’ll support the teeth and help prevent further deterioration. - Increased Longevity
With proper care, dental crowns can last for many years. In some cases, crowns may even last a lifetime. - Improved Oral Health
Dental crowns protect your underlying tooth structure from further damage and infection. As a result, you can avoid invasive procedures, like root canals, while protecting your teeth in the long-term. - Support Dental Implants
Dental implants are supported by crowns, providing additional stability and strength. And if you have implants, you know how vital it is to protect them from abrasion.
Types of Dental Crowns
There are several types of dental crowns. The most common materials include:
- Porcelain
- Ceramic
- Metal (platinum, gold, or base metals)
- Stainless Steel
- Resin
- Porcelain Fused to Metal
How Are Porcelain Veneers and Crowns Different?
Porcelain veneers and crowns are both used to improve the appearance of your teeth, but they have a few key differences that make them best suited for certain situations. So let’s compare the two procedures to see how they stack up against each other.
First, let’s consider how each process is done. For porcelain veneers, a thin piece of porcelain is adhered to the front of your tooth using specialized tools.
For crowns, a crown is placed on top of your tooth to completely cover and protect it.
Next, let’s look at how long each procedure takes. Veneers can be placed in one visit, taking no more than two hours. On the other hand, a crown requires two visits and may take up to three hours to complete.
Which Dental Procedure Is Right for You?
The best way to determine which procedure is right for you is to schedule an appointment with Windy City Family Dental. Our experienced dentists will take a close look at your teeth and discuss your best options for treatment.
Call us today to schedule an appointment! We’re your go-to dentist for crowns and veneers in Chicago!
