Veneers & Crowns: What They Are And How To Decide Between The Two

If you're currently unhappy with the appearance of your teeth, you may be considering placement of a restorative piece. The most common kinds of restorative devices for teeth are veneers and crowns, and it can sometimes be difficult to decide between the two. Below is a general overview of the two, how you can decide, and how to properly care for them.

What Are Veneers and Crowns?

The placement of veneers and crowns is a restorative technique that can help with a number of dental issues – cosmetic and otherwise.

To fully understand your options, you'll first need to understand that both veneers and crowns come in different materials. Veneers can be either porcelain or composite while crowns can be porcelain, resin, metal, or ceramic. Each material has its own strengths and weaknesses, though the most common types of both veneers and crowns are porcelain because they're stain resistant and easily cared for.

Knowing When to Choose One Over the Other

Your dentist is your best help when it comes to deciding between veneers and crowns, but here are a few things to consider on your own.

If you would like a purely cosmetic restoration to be done, veneers may be your best option. Both veneers and crowns fit over the natural tooth but veneers are used more cosmetically, such as for discoloration, erosion, or minor chipping. Crowns, on the other hand, can be used for cosmetics and function, making it possible to cover teeth that are cracked or broken, and can also help to align your bite. If you're unsure of your best option, your dentist can better explain the best option for you.

Proper Care & Keeping

No matter which one you choose, both veneers and crowns need to be properly cared for in order to maintain their original state.

Veneers and crowns cannot be bleached – this means in order to keep your restorative pieces in the same condition they'll need to be thoroughly cared for. Proper dental hygiene and regular dental visits will help to keep your veneers or crowns in top shape and keep them looking natural for longer. It's important to use non-abrasive toothpaste so as not to scratch the material, as well as keep your gums in the best of help so as not to cause the veneers or crowns to become loose or exposed.

The choice between veneers or crowns isn't always an easy one, but your dentist can help you decide based on your wants and needs. To learn more about restorative devices and how they can help you, consult with a dentist like Michael K Sakuda DDS.