The Difference Between Veneers and Crowns

There have never been more options available to fix cosmetic damage to your teeth and improve your smile. If you have cracked, broken, or missing teeth, chances are that your oral health, nutrition, and general well-being will also be affected at some point. Here’s what you need to know about veneers and crowns and the differences between the two.

Our dentist Dr. Ramin Mahallati and our dental team at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry offer a range of restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments at our office in Beverly Hills, California.

The difference between veneers and crowns

Veneers and crowns are similar in that they change the size, shape, and color of a damaged or cosmetically unattractive tooth. Depending on the type and severity of the damage, veneers are more limited in what they can fix.

At your first appointment, you’ll receive a comprehensive dental exam and consultation to discuss your goals for your smile and any oral health issues that need to be addressed. Dr. Mahallati and our team will recommend the best treatment for your situation. In some cases, you may need a combination of veneers and crowns to repair damaged teeth and make your desired cosmetic improvements.

When veneers are the best option

Dental veneers are made from a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the surface of the tooth. Veneers are a great option to make cosmetic improvements to your front teeth. You can opt for veneers to fix specific issues like a cracked or chipped tooth, to close a gap between teeth, or for purely cosmetic reasons to improve the size, shape, or color of your teeth. 

If you have stains and discolorations that can’t be removed with a professional teeth whitening treatment, veneers are a good alternative. Veneers are custom-designed to fit your teeth, and they usually require removing a thin layer of tooth enamel to ensure a smooth and natural-looking fit. They can last anywhere from five to ten years or more, but they aren’t suited to fix major tooth damage, like cavities or missing teeth.

When crowns are the best option

Like veneers, crowns are also used for cosmetic improvements, but they are more suitable to fix extensive damage caused by tooth decay or trauma. They’re also used to replace missing teeth when combined with a bridge or dental implant. Crowns are also known as caps because they literally cover the damaged tooth, replace lost tooth surface, and make the tooth more attractive. They can also strengthen and stabilize weak or fractured teeth after root canal therapy.

Crowns are cosmetic as well as functional and can improve your oral and general health by making it easier to eat and speak clearly when you’re missing teeth. Crowns can also last for 5-10 years or longer on average.

If you’re unhappy with how your teeth look or have dental damage like a chipped, cracked, or missing tooth, we can help!

For more information about the cosmetic and restorative dentistry services available at the Center for Implant & Esthetic Dentistry in Beverly Hills, contact us today to schedule an appointment with Dr. Mahallati. You can also book an appointment online.