Crowns and veneers can both restore your smile—but which one is right for you?

When you look in the mirror, do you worry about seeing discolored, broken, or chipped teeth? You might be on the search for a way to restore your smile and regain your confidence. 

Fortunately, several effective treatments can create the smile of your dreams. Porcelain crowns and veneers are viable solutions, but they have distinct differences.     

Every smile makeover is different and best designed by an experienced cosmetic dentist. They’ll work with you to determine the right solution for improving the beauty and function of your unique smile. For instance, your dentist may recommend dental crowns instead of porcelain veneers for you. 

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers

A dental crown is a covering that resembles your natural tooth and is often used to protect a damaged tooth. It requires the dentist to reduce the size of your existing tooth by a miniscule amount and create a customized restoration. After it is permanently cemented, it covers the remaining prepared tooth structure and blends in with your natural smile.  

Veneers are also a customized restoration, but they are designed to cover the tooth’s front surface only. Their purpose is to enhance your smile by covering cosmetic issues. Porcelain veneers require minimal preparation and recreate the translucency of your tooth enamel. Because they are wafer-thin, you hardly notice they are there.    

Why Your Dentist May Suggest Dental Crowns Over Veneers 

Dental crowns and veneers have cosmetic benefits that can improve your teeth’s shape, size, and strength. However, for some patients, a porcelain crown may be more beneficial. There are 5 key reasons why a dental crown may be the treatment best suited to you.  

1. Cracked Tooth Syndrome 

Cracked tooth syndrome happens when your tooth has a minute crack undetectable with the naked eye or an X-ray. It could be located under the gum and is challenging to diagnose. Many patients experience this condition as intermittent discomfort or pain when they bite into food as their teeth are exposed to hot and cold temperatures.  

Placing a crown over the cracked tooth will protect the remaining healthy tooth structure and prevent more severe damage. This restoration helps hold the tooth together while absorbing biting pressure and protecting your tooth.  

2. Extensive Fillings   

When your tooth already has an existing large filling, your dentist will remove the old filling along with any decay underneath. After preparing the tooth, there’s often not enough tooth structure to support another filling. For this reason, your dentist may recommend a crown instead of veneers to support the entire tooth and to ensure the longevity of the restoration. 

3. Root Canal Therapy 

After root canal therapy, your tooth is hollowed out because the nerves inside have been removed. Placing a dental crown will add support, preventing further damage. 

A dental veneer isn’t usually recommended because of how thin they are. Often, a tooth becomes discolored after treatment, which may be noticeable underneath the porcelain shell. 

4. Misshapen Teeth 

When you need to make significant changes to the size or shape of a tooth, veneers may be too thin compared to the complete shell of a dental crown. Many dental crown materials are porcelain-based and can make crooked or misshapen teeth appear straighter and more uniform.  

5. A Bad Bite 

Occlusion is how your teeth come together; sometimes, it must be corrected. There are many treatment options, but your dentist may recommend porcelain crowns. These aesthetic restorations may be strategically placed to fill in the gaps of missing teeth and distribute biting forces evenly.     

How Veneers Can Help 

Porcelain veneers are a suitable aesthetic treatment option when your tooth doesn’t need the stability a dental crown provides. Veneers may be a more suitable option in the following situations. 

Replacing Damaged Enamel 

Tooth enamel is the hardest substance in the body, but that doesn’t mean it’s indestructible. Highly acidic foods, bruxism, or aggressive brushing can damage your enamel. Veneers hide this damage and create a more appealing smile.   

Whitening Your Smile 

Dental veneers may hide teeth that have become yellow due to smoking or brown from drinking coffee. Because veneers are made from tooth-colored material, they blend seamlessly with your smile. Veneers are stain-resistant, and you can maintain your regular dental care routine.    

Repairing Minor Cosmetic Flaws 

Dental veneers can correct slightly crooked teeth or gaps by masking these problems. Though the issue will still be present, it will no longer be noticeable when you smile. 

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers Consultation 

When considering your dental treatment, meeting with an experienced dentist is crucial to the success of your crowns or veneers. They’ll discuss your concerns and create a treatment plan based on your individual needs and conditions, from veneers to crowns to Bioclear. Davis Family Dental Care is your friendly, skilled cosmetic dentist in Bedford, TX, dedicated to providing you and your family with a lifetime of healthy, beautiful smiles. We offer comprehensive and personalized care in a warm, relaxing environment. To schedule a consultation, contact us today.