If you are planning to restore your teeth and improve your smile with the help of a Dentist in Lancaster, then you have two options for achieving that aim: crowns or veneers. Both can be used to achieve the desired results, and both have their benefits, but the one you should choose depends on your unique situation.
There are some key differences between the two that will help you decide which one you should go for. Let’s have a look at each one of them and help you make your decision!
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An Introduction to Crowns and Veneers
Crowns and veneers are both types of restorations for the teeth. They deal with the teeth by adding a covering to them to help improve the look. They make the teeth look more appealing. The differences that exist between the two are in terms of how the original tooth is impacted or removed, how thick the material is that forms a covering on the original tooth, and also how much of the tooth is left uncovered in the end. However, both crowns and veneers will improve the look of your teeth and make them more appealing. If you are suffering from tooth decay, no need to be worried.
Veneers are usually made from porcelain wafer-thin that is attached to the front of the teeth. The color of the porcelain is matched with the color of your teeth. Veneers are not weak, but if they are impacted continuously, they can be broken or damaged.
Crowns cover the entire tooth and may be made from a mixture of porcelain and metal. Crowns are also thicker than veneers. As a result, crowns are more resistant to cracks or damages and stronger than veneers.
How Tooth Preparation Differs
In the case of veneers, only a little bit of the tooth needs to be removed, which is why it is known as a conservative treatment. When a veneer is placed, the dentist will only need to remove the front part of the tooth, and he/she will not touch the deeper part or the back of your tooth.
For the crowns, almost 60% of the tooth is removed before the crown can be placed. This means that more of your tooth is removed in the case of a crown. There still are cases where veneers also require more trimming, such as in the case of alignment, and this may make the decision difficult.
Are Veneers the Right Option?
Go for veneers if the problem is small and more aesthetic in nature. They can be a solution for people who have stained or chipped teeth, teeth with minor cracks, or minor gaps in between their teeth. In such cases, veneers will help you in improve the look of your teeth, remove visible stains, and get an attractive smile!
The only issue that you will have to deal with is that the veneers need replacement after some time because they are not permanent. If you don’t get them replaced in time, you may have to get crowns. Veneers can also prove to be a permanent solution if they are taken care of and are they replaced in time.
Are Crowns the Right Option?
Crowns are required when there is a more functional issue with your teeth—for example, broken or majorly cracked teeth. They can also be required in situations where a root canal is required.
Crowns are essential for damaged teeth because they protect the teeth from extraction, which may be the ultimate solution if the tooth is not saved. The crown covers the affected tooth completely and will not allow any further damage to the original tooth. Crowns are also preferable when the edges of your teeth have been adversely impacted by grinding. Because the veneers only protect the front part, crowns are more suitable in such a situation.
Once you get the crown, it will only need occasionally repair from a dentist.