Although crowns have been used for a long time for cosmetic reasons, in recent years veneers have become a much more popular option. Treatment with a veneer is much less invasive than placing a crown and takes considerably less time. If possible, it is often a better choice to choose a veneer over a crown for restoration work.
Veneers vs. Crowns
Veneers are a popular choice to correct cosmetic problems with the tooth surfaces. In the past, crowns were used for this type of restoration, but now your cosmetic dentist is much more likely to recommend a veneer.
If possible, it is often a better choice to choose a veneer over a crown for restoration work.
Veneers offer several advantages over dental crowns, including:
- A veneer requires very little restructuring of the tooth
- A veneer can be exactly color-matched to your teeth
- The tooth requires very little alteration to accommodate a veneer
- Porcelain used to make a veneer looks very much like natural enamel
A tooth treated with a veneer is very difficult to tell from untreated teeth. The porcelain gives the tooth a semi-translucent look, while crowns often have a more artificial look because they are opaque. Some types of veneer are extremely thin. Most require removal of a small amount of enamel from the fronts of the teeth, but some can be applied directly with no changes to your tooth surfaces. Overall, a veneer is an excellent choice to correct cosmetic issues, leaving crowns for specific kinds of restorations.
Uses for Veneers
The veneer is a very versatile cosmetic treatment. Your cosmetic dentist can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your specific needs, but veneers can be used to correct:
- Chipping, pits, or cracks
- Severe staining
- Intrinsic discoloration
- Minor misalignment
- Small gaps between the teeth
The versatility and relatively non-invasive nature of the veneer makes it possible to treat issues that previously required much more invasive work. Schedule a consultation with our cosmetic dentist at 817-465-0355 to determine if treatment with veneers is a good choice for you.
