Crowns or Veneers: Which Option Is Right For You?

Crowns and veneers are two popular forms of dental restoration, which both have high rates of success. If you are considering crowns or veneers and want to know which option would work best for you, the answer depends on the issue you are trying to fix.

What is a veneer?

A veneer is a thin, tooth-colored shell that is attached to the front of a tooth to hide imperfections. In most instances, veneers are made of porcelain. Veneers are suitable if you are trying to improve the appearance of teeth that are worn down, chipped, uneven, or discolored. They can also conceal gaps.

What is involved in getting veneers?

Before a veneer can be applied, the surface of the tooth must be filed down by about half a millimetre. This process is not as scary as it sounds, and anesthesia may be used to minimize discomfort. The tooth must also be roughened for the veneer to be bonded to the surface. After your tooth has been adjusted, your dentist will use a digital scanner to take the dimensions of the tooth to be repaired and surrounding teeth. They will then send the measurements to a lab for the veneer to be made. Once the permanent veneer is ready, and it is the right color and fit, your dentist will bond it to the tooth. At times, depending on how much enamel is left on the tooth, you may need to wear a temporary veneer while you wait for your permanent veneer.

If you do not want the hassle of having veneer treatment completed in multiple visits, the process can also be completed in a single appointment, thanks to advances in technology that allow a dentist to create a permanent veneer in their office. Once your dentist has placed the veneer, there should be minimal movement on the tooth, but if you grind or clench your teeth while you sleep, you may need to wear a nightguard to protect the veneer.

What is a crown?

A crown is a cap that covers an entire tooth that has been damaged or severely decayed. A crown can restore a tooth’s shape, appearance, and function, and prevent further damage. If a tooth is decayed, it will need to be cleaned and filled before a crown is placed for added support.

What is involved in crown placement?

An affected tooth must be filed down to make room for a crown. As is the case with veneers, your dentist may use anesthesia to ensure the process is not uncomfortable. After the dentist has filed your tooth, they will scan the tooth and surrounding teeth to send the dimensions to a lab for a custom crown to be made. Typically, crowns, like veneers, are made using porcelain, and it takes about two to three weeks for a lab to manufacture a crown. While you wait for your crown to be ready, the dentist will cover the tooth with a temporary crown, usually made of acrylic. When you return to the dentist to receive a permanent crown, they will check it to ensure it is the right size, shape, and color and that it fits your bite before they cement it in place.

In addition to traditional crown treatments that require more than one visit to the dentist, there is now the option of single-visit crown treatment as well. With single-visit crown treatment, a dentist can create a permanent crown in-office and place it on the same day.

Which option is right for you?

If you want to support a tooth that has a large filling, is extremely worn or broken, or if you have had a root canal, crowns is your best choice. If the purpose of the restoration is purely cosmetic, you may want to opt for veneers.

Are you searching for a dentist in Slidell that offers crown and veneer treatments?

If you are searching for a dentist in Slidell that offers single-visit veneer and crown treatments, contact us at Fremaux Dental Care. At our clinic, we use advanced dental techniques and technology to make every procedure comfortable, quick, and effective, to give you a beautiful smile.

So, give us a call today to schedule an appointment with our Slidell dentist or to learn more about our veneer or crown treatment options.