They say, “Nothing you wear is more important than your smile.” The team at Center City Emergency Dentist couldn’t agree more! That’s why some of the most popular procedures at our Philadelphia location are Invisalign for adults among many other cosmetic dentistry services. If you’re trying to restore your beautiful smile, you might have a hard time picking between veneers and crowns. Below we break down the terms and application process for each, so you can decide which option is best for you.
What are Veneers?
Veneers are the perfect solution to improve your smile from aesthetic shortcomings or dental flaws. Created from durable materials, like porcelain or composite resin, veneers are designed to fit, look, and feel like your natural teeth. They can be created to cover your whole mouth or just a portion of your teeth.
Porcelain veneers are the most popular material because they are extremely durable, comfortable, and natural-looking. The application of your custom-made veneers will be a simple two-step procedure. Your dentist will first shave down a small portion of your teeth, so the veneers can sit comfortably in your mouth without jutting out and contorting your smile. Then, the veneers are bonded to the front of your teeth using medical-grade adhesives. This makes veneers a permanent dental procedure.
Veneers are a great choice to cover minor imperfections, like stains, chips, or small gaps. Since they only cover the front of your teeth, your original tooth could still continue to decay behind the surface. It’s important to prioritize your oral health, so your teeth and veneers remain strong and healthy.
What are Crowns?
Crowns perform the same functions as veneers — that is, covering your natural teeth — but, they enclose the whole surface of the tooth as opposed to just the front. Unlike veneers, crowns can be created from a range of materials, including porcelain, ceramics, composite resin, metal alloys, or a combination.
Placing a crown usually takes longer than installing veneers. The dentist will first shave the tooth down significantly, so the crown can fit comfortably between teeth. You’ll be given a temporary crown while an exact replica of your tooth is created into a permanent crown.
Crowns are usually the best option when you’re trying to repair the function of your teeth. For example, a badly-damaged tooth won’t have enough surface to accept a veneer. Therefore, the only option is a crown. If you’ve recently undergone a root canal, then you should choose crowns over veneers.
Don’t wait any longer to rectify your smile with our cosmetic dentistry practices, like veneers, crowns, and adult braces, at our Philadelphia office. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment!