For customers looking to restore damaged teeth, there are a surprising number of procedures that can help bring a smile back to its former glory. Dental veneers and porcelain crowns are two such options available at Perfecting Your Smile, and Jamestowne South Dental specializes in several types of cosmetic dentistry, including both of those options.

Patients considering veneers and crowns would do well to know what each is and does so they can make an informed decision about which option might work best for them and their teeth.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are thin covers that are bonded to the front surface of teeth. Typically, they are made from either porcelain (which is more natural-looking and durable) or composite resin (which typically are more affordable), though either material will hold up well and get your teeth looking the way you’d like them to.

They are used to mask imperfections, including everything from discoloration to gaps to chips. Because they are built specifically for your teeth, they look like a perfect match with the other teeth in your mouth, and they can last as long as two decades with proper care.

What Are Porcelain Crowns?

Unlike veneers, which only cover the front of the tooth, crowns cover the entire tooth intending to protect cracked or broken teeth. Also known as “caps,” they are most often made from porcelain, and like veneers, they are custom-made and matched with the color of the other teeth in your mouth.

When Are Veneers the Right Choice?

For the most part, veneers are the better option for those who have minor cosmetic tooth issues. Chips, stains, and small cracks can be solidified by bonding a veneer to the front of the tooth. It also can be a great option for those who have large gaps between their teeth, creating food traps and creating more opportunities for bacteria to cause tooth decay. Veneers can make a tight fit for floss, creating a more aesthetically-pleasing and functional smile.

When Are Crowns the Right Choice?

On the other hand, crowns are more ideal for patients with more serious tooth damage, such as breaks or cracks. Often, crowns can save a traumatized tooth from having to be extracted entirely or causing infection somewhere down the road. It covers the entire tooth, providing better protection for teeth that have experienced more trauma.

There are other reasons for Jamestowne South Dental to recommend a crown, such as in a root canal procedure, where a crown is a necessity. Also, some patients who have long dealt with serious teeth grinding may need a crown to restore the right size and function of their teeth. If you are interested in porcelain veneers or dental crowns, contact Jamestowne South Dental’s office today to set up a consultation. We’ll talk you through your options and help you find exactly the right cosmetic procedure to get your teeth and looking and functioning the way they were intended to!