When you look in the mirror, you want to see a smile that feels like you. Sometimes chips, stains, or damage can get in the way of that.
Thankfully, modern dentistry offers great ways to restore your smile’s appearance and health. At our dental clinic, we prioritize personalized care to help you achieve your dental goals.
When comparing dental services like crowns and veneers, the right option for you depends on whether you need to change your tooth’s appearance for cosmetic reasons or restore its strength and function.
A careful look at your tooth’s condition during one of our comprehensive dental exams helps determine the most suitable path forward.
What Are Dental Veneers?
A dental veneer is a very thin, custom-made shell that fits over the front surface of your tooth. Often made from porcelain, it acts like a new face for a tooth with a cosmetic concern. This approach allows you to change the colour, shape, or size of a tooth.
What Veneers Can Fix
Veneers can address:
- Stains or discolouration
- Chips or small cracks
- Gaps between teeth
- Minor crookedness or uneven shapes
The Veneer Procedure
The process for veneers is quite straightforward. Your dentist removes a very small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth to make space. According to dental health experts, enamel loss is permanent, making it a key consideration. We then take an impression to have a laboratory create a veneer that fits your tooth perfectly.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A dental crown, sometimes called a cap, is a restoration that covers your entire tooth. It brings back the tooth’s original shape, size, and strength. A crown is often used when a tooth has damage that is too extensive for a filling to repair.
When You Might Need A Crown
You may need a dental crown:
- To protect a weak tooth from a fracture
- To restore a broken or severely worn-down tooth
- To cover a tooth that has a large filling
- After a root canal treatment
- To cover a misshapen or severely discoloured tooth
The Crown Procedure
To prepare a tooth for a crown, your dentist reshapes it by filing down all the surfaces. This makes room for the crown to fit over the top. After we take an impression, you’ll wear a temporary crown until your permanent one is ready to be cemented in place.
Key Differences Between Crowns and Veneers
While both options can improve your smile, they address different dental needs. The main differences are their purpose and how much of the tooth they cover. This distinction is key to choosing the right treatment for your oral health.
Coverage and Purpose
A veneer covers only the front of your tooth and is primarily a form of cosmetic dentistry. A crown, on the other hand, encases the entire tooth. This provides structural support and protection in addition to a new look.
Tooth Preparation
Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, with only a thin layer of enamel removed from the front. Crowns need more of the tooth structure to be reshaped to fit the cap over the top. This makes the procedure for crowns more involved.
A Natural Look For Both
Both crowns and veneers can look completely natural in your smile. They are custom-made to match the unique shade and shape of your surrounding teeth. A skilled dentist can help create a seamless and beautiful result with either restoration.
A Look at the Pros and Cons
Each option has its own benefits and factors to consider. Your choice depends on your specific dental health and what you hope to achieve for your smile. It’s helpful to weigh these points with your dentist.
Advantages Of Veneers
- They preserve more of your natural tooth structure.
- They provide a natural and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Potential Downsides Of Veneers
- The procedure is not reversible once the enamel is removed.
- The rest of the tooth can still be affected by cavities.
- They are less likely to be covered by dental insurance plans.
Advantages Of Crowns
- They offer full protection to a weak or damaged tooth.
- They add considerable strength and support.
- They are often partially covered by insurance for restorative reasons.
Potential Downsides Of Crowns
- More of the natural tooth structure must be removed.
- You may experience temporary sensitivity to hot or cold foods.
Cost, Care, and Your Decision
For young families, the budget and long-term upkeep are important considerations. Understanding the costs and how to care for your new smile can help you make a decision you feel good about. Your dentist can help you navigate these factors.
The Cost of Veneers and Crowns
The cost for either procedure can vary based on the material used and your specific situation. Dental insurance is more likely to help cover a crown if it’s needed to restore a tooth’s function. Cosmetic veneers are more often an out-of-pocket expense.
How to Care for Your New Smile
You care for crowns and veneers the same way you care for your natural teeth. This includes regular brushing and flossing, as well as routine dental check-ups. If you tend to grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect the porcelain from damage.
Talk with Your Dentist in Calgary
The best first step is a simple conversation. A consultation with your dentist can help you explore your options and create a plan. This allows you to find a solution that fits your health needs and your family’s budget.
Deciding between a crown and a veneer is a personal choice based on your dental health. At CHV Dental, our exams are designed to be clear, comfortable, and informative. We are happy to walk you through our findings and recommendations to help you make a confident choice for your smile.
Book an appointment with us today to get started.
