Your dental health will play a huge role in influencing your self-esteem and smile. However, most individuals suffer from dental issues, including discoloration and cavities. This doesn’t only affect the function of your teeth, but also your confidence and ability to smile.
The two most popular ways to restore and rectify teeth issues are dental crowns and veneers. Choosing between these two methods can take time. However, visiting trusted cosmetic dentists in Melbourne or your locality may help simplify choosing between the two teeth restoration methods.
This article outlines what you need to know about dental crowns and veneers. You’ll learn the major difference between the two, the pros and cons of each, and how you can choose the right one for yourself.
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Dental Crowns
As mentioned above, a dental crown is one of the most common methods to restore the function of your teeth, which eventually boost your self-esteem and smile. Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps or prosthetics placed over your damaged teeth, covering the visible part of your tooth. The crown will help restore the teeth’ appearance and shape.
A dental crown can be used for several reasons. It can protect a weak tooth from breaking, hold a dental bridge, cover a discolored tooth, restore a broken tooth, and more. Dental crowns are available in different forms. This includes onlays, ¾, and traditional crowns.
Veneers
This is another method to improve your smile. Veneers are custom-made coverings placed over the visible front section of the tooth. Although veneers aren’t a relatively new concept, technological advancement has played a huge role in revolutionizing the procedure.
Veneers can address several issues, including worn-out teeth and crooked and stained teeth, helping boost your overall appearance. Veneers can be made from different materials, including porcelain and resin material.
What’s The Major Difference Between The Two?
The primary difference between veneers and dental crowns is how they fit. A veneer will typically cover the front of your tooth, while a dental crown completely covers your entire teeth. Hence, the crown might be tougher and more rugged to withstand pressures from biting or chewing compared to veneers.
Another notable difference between the two is their thickness. In most cases, a crown will have an average thickness of around two millimeters and be longer-lasting, whereas a veneer has a thickness of about one millimeter.
The Benefits Of Dental Crowns
The following are the benefits of a dental crown:
- Durable– Dental crowns are tougher and thicker; hence, they’ll withstand the immense pressure of chewing and biting. In most cases, an individual may go five to 15 years before needing a renewal, ensuring you save money in the long run.
- Protects Weak Teeth– Weak teeth can be a result of bacteria. Exposing weak teeth to immense pressure and external conditions may lead to breakage, which could affect your appearance. However, as the dental crown covers the entire tooth, it’s protected from breakage and other issues.
The Disadvantages Of Dental Crowns
The following are the cons of dental crowns:
- Requires Filing Of Tooth– Before fitting a dental crown, the dentist might be forced to file the tooth into the right shape. The process is cost-intensive and irreversible.
- Discomfort– In some cases, you might experience discomfort after getting a dental crown and be sensitive to hot and cold. Any discomfort could affect your productivity and day-to-day routine. However, you can manage this by making sure your dentist uses the right materials. Additionally, using reputable toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth may help manage the issue.
The Benefits Of Veneers
It’s time to talk about the benefits of veneers:
- Gives Natural-Looking Smiles– Thin veneers, which match the existing tooth, only cover the front section of your teeth. This gives you a natural-looking smile, boosting the aesthetics of your teeth and your overall self-esteem.
- Minimally Invasive– Installing veneers is a minimally invasive dental procedure. Additionally, it doesn’t require anesthesia. However, you might need to get one if you have sensitive teeth.
The Disadvantages Of Veneers
- Fragility– Thin veneers are highly fragile as compared to dental crowns. If exposed to extreme conditions such as teeth grinding, they might chip or break. Hence, you might have to replace them more regularly than dental crowns.
- Permanence– When installing a veneer, the dentist will have to remove a thin layer of enamel to create room. Hence, the process is also irreversible once you decide to get a veneer.
The right restoration method will depend on the severity of your tooth. The dentist will recommend the right solution for your damaged teeth, helping you restore your smile and confidence.
Bottom Line
As mentioned above, your dental health may hugely influence your self-esteem. However, issues such as cavities may compromise your oral health. Fortunately, you have a few choices if you need your teeth to be restored or enhanced. In fact, there are two methods you can choose from—veneers and dental crowns. However, you have to take note of the benefits and disadvantages of each procedure to know what is best for you.
