The Difference Between Veneers and Crowns

Do you know the difference between a veneer and a crown? While they both help improve the appearance and function of a damaged tooth, there are some differences between the two. Here at Access Dental & Dentures, we offer both veneers and crowns along with our wide range of dental services. Take a look below to learn about the difference between these two services.

The Difference Between Veneers & Crowns:

A crown encases the entire tooth. A veneer covers the front of the tooth. The basic difference between these two oral care procedures is the variance between the tooth coverage. You can receive proper oral care treatment for both of these services at our Springfield, MO dentist.

All About Our Veneers:

Porcelain veneers are dental prosthetics that are placed on the surface of discolored, chipped, cracked, or misaligned teeth and are probably the most esthetic means of creating a more pleasing smile. They require a minimal amount of tooth reduction (approximately .5 mm) and are, therefore, a more conservative restoration than a crown. Though veneers are simple to place and delicate in appearance, the role a thin ceramic shell can have in producing a beautiful smile is quite remarkable. Dental veneers allow us to alter tooth position, shape, size and color. They are not the only alternative for all esthetic abnormalities but are truly a remarkable restoration when they are the treatment of choice.

All About Our Crowns:

The reasons your dentist may suggest restoring your tooth with a crown can vary from case to case. Some of the indications for a using a crown are:

- A previously filled tooth where there now exists more filling than tooth. The existing tooth structure becomes weakened and can no longer support the filling.
- Extensive damage by decay.
- Discolorations and compromised esthetics.
- Fractures
- Root canal – After a root canal, teeth tend to become brittle and are more apt to fracture. They, therefore, need to be protected by a crown.
- Bridges – When missing teeth are replaced with a bridge, the adjacent teeth require crowns in order to support the replacement teeth.

Crowns strengthen and protect the remaining tooth structure and can improve the appearance of your teeth. Crowns can be made from different materials which include the full porcelain crown, the porcelain fused-to-metal crown, and the all-metal crown. You and your dentist will decide which type is appropriate, depending upon the strength requirements and esthetic concerns of the tooth involved.

Fitting a crown requires at least two appointments. During your first visit, the tooth is prepared for the crown, an impression or mold is made of the tooth, and a temporary crown is placed over the prepared tooth. At the subsequent visit, the temporary crown is removed and the final crown is fitted and adjusted and cemented into place.

Now that you know the difference between these two services, you're ready to find the right dentist for your oral care needs. Our southern Missouri dentist prides ourselves on offering a wide range of dental services to meet your needs for proper oral care. Contact our office 877-DENTIST to schedule a consultation if you think you are in need of one of our services!

We want to be your dentist because your family deserves a great smile!

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Springfield Office          Rolla Office          Osage Beach Office      Mountain Grove Office
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Springfield, MO 65807   Rolla, MO 65401     Osage Beach, MO. 65065       Mountain Grove