Both veneers and crowns are dental restoration methods that can improve the appearance and function of teeth. Veneers and crowns have many similarities but key differences as well. If you want clarity as to which procedure is right for you read on. 

What Is A Veneer?

If you have ever felt embarrassed about your smile, porcelain veneers are an excellent option.

Dental porcelain veneers are a thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the surface of the tooth. This layer of porcelain is custom-made to resemble your real teeth. Some of the smile flaws porcelain veneers successfully address are:

• Worn-down or uneven teeth

• Cracked or chipped teeth

• Permanent staining

• Gaps between your teeth

• Any pitting or minor crookedness

What Is A Crown?

Dental crowns are a great way to restore your smile to its natural appearance. They fit over the entire tooth, providing long-lasting durability and protection. Crowns can help to improve the size, strength, and appearance of a tooth that has been damaged due to severe decay or traumatic injury. We offer porcelain crowns, which give extensive benefits to your smile. Not only do they protect teeth from further damage, but they also restore full function to your teeth and conceal any discoloration that cannot be treated with whitening. Porcelain crowns can also be combined with other cosmetic restorations for a complete smile design makeover. These treatments include: 

• Fixed Bridges: Crowns are often paired with bridges to help replace and restore multiple teeth affected by discoloration, decay, and damage. 

• Dental Implant Restorations: Implants and crowns work perfectly together to help patients restore their smiles to health. 

• Tooth Whitening: Tooth whitening sessions can help remove signs of discoloration, giving your smile back its natural glow. 

What Does The Process Look Like?

Both crowns and veneers are custom-designed by Dr. Roher and her dental team to provide you with a completely personalized experience. The entire process for veneers and crowns can take a few weeks and several visits.

When it comes to veneers, once a precision mold of your teeth is created, Dr. Roher affixes your permanent porcelain veneers using a professional bonding agent. Once this step is complete, any chips, cracks, pits, gaps, or other cosmetic flaws affecting your teeth are corrected, leaving you with your bright and healthy new smile.

In regards to dental crowns, Dr. Roher will prepare and fabricate your dental crowns using advanced 3D imaging technology and then prepare the tooth by performing enamel abrasion on the surface of the selected tooth until it is the proper shape for the new restoration. A temporary restoration will be placed on top of the tooth to protect the inner dentin and pulp while the permanent crown is fabricated. Once the fabrication process is completed, the permanent crown is placed on top of the tooth using bonding adhesives, ensuring a bacteria-killing tight seal. 

Are Veneers Or Crowns Right For You?

Both veneers and crowns have their pros and cons. Knowing which one is best for your situation is important. Veneers are an excellent cosmetic dental treatment for people who want a dramatic change to their smile. Dentists usually recommend them for full front teeth.

A crown is a good option when a large piece of tooth structure is missing and more support is needed. This usually occurs after extensive fillings, broken teeth, or root canal treatments. If a tooth is severely worn, a crown can help restore the function and beauty of your natural tooth.

Both require the same care, including regular oral hygiene care, routine visits with your dentists, and protecting your teeth with a healthy diet.

If you are interested in dental crowns or veneers, Medical Arts Dentistry can help you decide which is the best option for your needs. We provide not only these treatments but additional ones to improve the appearance of your smile. Our goal is to provide the most caring and nurturing environment for your dentistry needs. Call (912) 355-0605 for our Savannah location and (912) 921-0401 for our Georgetown location to make an appointment today.