Dental crowns and porcelain veneers offer several of the same benefits. As restorative dentistry procedures, they address the function of your teeth, but they also have cosmetic benefits, such as fixing tooth imperfections like chips, cracks, and discoloration. Whether crowns or veneers are right for you depends on your oral health and other factors. The best way to determine how to improve or restore your smile is through a dental exam and consultation with one of our dentists.
What are Porcelain Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are made of…you guessed it – porcelain! They are thin shells that are bonded to the front of your existing teeth and are approximately 1 millimeter (mm) thick. They are often used to correct tooth chips, cracks, and discoloration as well as misshapen, crooked, or broken teeth. The porcelain shells are custom-matched to the shade of your adjacent teeth and can be used in combination with or without teeth whitening to give you that perfect smile.
The process of porcelain veneers requires tooth preparation, in which the front of your tooth is reduced (approximately .5 mm) to create a rougher surface for the bonding process. Our dentists at Wood Creek Dental may use a local anesthetic to reduce discomfort, and we also offer sedation dentistry in our Greenville office for those who have severe dental anxiety.
You will wear temporary veneers for a few weeks while your permanent veneers are created, and if you tend to grind your teeth or clench your jaw at night, a nightguard can help you maintain your porcelain veneers. You can care for them just as you do your natural teeth, with daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing after meals.
What are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are typically made of porcelain, but unlike veneers, dental crowns cover the entire tooth and are thicker (around 2 mm), requiring more tooth reduction prior to placement. This restorative dentistry option does offer cosmetic benefits, but its main purpose is to repair and improve the health of a tooth that’s been damaged by decay, infection, or trauma. If you have existing tooth decay, it will need to be addressed before you your crown is placed.
If you are not a candidate for our CEREC same day crown service, then you may require having a temporary crown placed over the tooth for several weeks while our lab customizes the size, shape, and shade of your permanent crown.
Contact Wood Creek Dental Today
The right dental option for you depends on your oral health and aesthetic concerns. Porcelain veneers are often best for cosmetic flaws, whereas dental crowns are best for restoring a healthy, strong tooth structure. Your dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost for dental crowns, but porcelain veneers are often considered fully cosmetic.
If you’re interested in porcelain veneers or crowns, contact Wood Creek Dental at our Greenville office at 864-288-5300 or our Landrum office at 864-457-3425 to schedule your dental exam and consultation. Our experienced dentists are here to help you determine which option is right for your needs and to serve our patients in the surrounding areas of Greenville, Simpsonville, and Landrum, South Carolina.
