When it comes to repairing a damaged tooth, you have a few options. Dental crowns and dental veneers produce similar results by covering a different amount and area of the tooth’s surface. Crowns fit over the entire tooth, while the veneer only covers the front. When they are installed, the crown requires all sides of the tooth be grinded down to reduce the size and taper the shape of the tooth. Then the dentist fits the crown down over the tooth. A veneer requires little to no grinding and simply fits over the existing tooth. Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari of Premier Dental Care in Northern Virginia points out that “Porcelain crowns have all the great benefits of a traditional crown where they restore broken teeth or protect a weak tooth or its cusps by covering the whole tooth and prevent fractures. Porcelain crowns however have the added benefit of having no metal substructure, thus being very aesthetic.” As noted, a porcelain crown repairs a weakened tooth and a veneer masks an unattractive tooth.
Which is Best for You?
Even though both crowns and veneers can be made of porcelain, the veneer will not be used if there is a lot of damage to the existing tooth. The main difference is the ability of a veneer to leave as much of the original tooth in place as possible. With crowns, only a tooth nub will remain, which is just enough to give the crown something to attach to. Some may view crowns as replacements, whereas veneers are improvements. Crowns are used to repair problems like decay, and veneers are used to repair primarily cosmetic issues. The original tooth’s structure needs to be strong to support a veneer. If the tooth needs to be strengthened and repaired cosmetically, a crown can accomplish both.
If you have a problem with clenching or grinding your teeth, your dentist will likely suggest crowns when corrective work is needed. Veneers are thin casings, and over time, grinding would weaken the bond between the veneer and the tooth. This may result in the veneer popping off the tooth. If you do clench or grind your teeth, your dentist will likely notice the signs on your other teeth. But if you are discussing veneers, be sure to share this with him. There is still a chance he will suggest veneers, but you will likely need to wear a bite guard, especially if the grinding occurs while you are sleeping.
Veneers are used for the teeth that are visible when a person smiles. They make the tooth or teeth look better but they don’t strengthen the tooth. It is important to care for veneers as you would your regular teeth. You should avoid staining foods just as you would with your natural teeth. Keep in mind veneers are not affected by bleaching or whitening, so should you stain the veneer, it may need to be replaced. It is also a good idea to avoid biting down directly on hard foods with your veneer-covered teeth. Veneers are brittle and crack more easily than crowns. Since the installation is primarily on the front teeth, biting is usually not a problem.
Caring for Your Veneers or Crowns
Following each meal, brush and floss your teeth. Should a veneer wiggle loose without your realizing it, food particles can become lodged between the tooth and the veneer. Your dentist will repair this during your biannual visits. But in the meantime, make sure you are not unknowingly damaging your teeth. That’s why it’s important with veneers to keep up with your dental cleaning schedule, just in case something has happened that you don’t notice.
Caring for crowns is similar to caring for your regular teeth. There are occasions when crowns come loose. If this should happen, schedule an appointment as soon as possible for a repair. It is usually a quick fix, but left unattended, it can lead to serious problems. Remember the crown filled in and covered a hole in your tooth. Food will lodge in this hole if the crown falls out, and decay will quickly occur.
There are a variety of methods for repairing damaged teeth and a damaged smile. Weakened teeth will need crowns, and a porcelain crown will create a natural-looking, strong replacement tooth. If your corrective needs are basically cosmetic in nature, you can create a nice smile with porcelain veneers. Both require you to maintain a conscientious dental health in order to keep your mouth healthy. You and your dentist can discuss which of the options is going to work best for you.
