Hello again!
Thought I would help out everyone with some dental terminology. I am asked very often what’s the difference between a veneer and a crown?
Veneers and Crowns have many similarities and differences, so it is understandable that they get confused.
Firstly, they both replace the front portion of the tooth so that when they are completed, your new tooth (or teeth) has a new shape and color as observed from the front. However, the veneer typically wraps on the back of tooth only minimally (1-2mm), whereas the crown wraps on the back all the way down to the gumline. I guess you can say that a crown is more like a thimble. A veneer is more like a press on fingernail. Because of this it is more likely to “pop off” a veneer than a crown. Better bonding systems now and proper veneer design will help minimize e this occurrence. Even a crown can “pop off” if there is inadequate support beneath it, but it stands less of a chance compared to a veneer.
Second of all, they are both typically made of porcelain, so that colors can be placed to better blend in the veneer or crown. Veneers are typically solid porcelain, so light can shine through the material and create “lifelike” shine and luster. Crowns too can be made of only porcelain, as many of our current laboratories now have such high strength porcelains that they can be used on back teeth as well. Other crowns have a core layer (usually zirconium oxide), and some are made entirely of gold.
Veneers offer very little protection to a vulnerable tooth. Typically veneers are placed on teeth that are healthy and strong. They are made for teeth that just want a color and shape face lift. Whitening will only do so much, and if you want them whiter, then veneer porcelain will be your solution as they can be made as white as you desire.
Conversely crowns provide protective strength for vulnerable teeth that have been weakened by either large fillings or root canal procedures. These teeth may fracture and not be saved afterwards, and the tooth may be lost. Crowns protect the tooth against fracturing and subsequent loss. Combined with beautiful porcelain, crowns will protect and beautify your smile.
So there you have it! (Of course there are other subtle similarities and differences, but I don’t want to bore you to death!!!)
When the time comes for you, the decision will be carefully based upon the health of your teeth, the quality and force of your bite, and the end result that you wish for. It is a decision made between dentist and patient together.
Ciao for now!