Both porcelain veneers and dental crowns are restorative treatments to improve the function and appearance of your smile. Bethesda, MD dentist Dr. Srotalina Khanna works to provide patients with the best option for their needs and wants you to understand the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
Which is Better For Minor Cosmetic Enhancements?
While both veneers and dental crowns can improve how your smile looks, porcelain dental veneers are the preferred option for minor enhancements such as closing gaps between teeth, discoloration, and correcting misalignments.
Porcelain dental veneers give you a straighter, whiter smile with minimal tooth preparation. Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are designed to fit your natural tooth shape. Dr. Khanna can help you improve your smile by measuring and planning your porcelain veneers treatment to give you an enhanced version of your natural look. The veneers are placed on the front of your teeth and cover up the misalignments, cracks, or discoloration that you want to correct.
Another benefit of dental veneers is their stain resistance. Because they are made of porcelain and fit over natural teeth, porcelain veneers do not stain and will keep your smile appearing whiter for longer!
Do Porcelain Veneers or Dental Crowns Fix Damaged Teeth?
For teeth with significant damage, such as deep decay or after a root canal, Dr. Khanna usually recommends dental crowns. Instead of simply covering the front of the teeth, dental crowns are attached to the top of a damaged tooth to keep it intact and seal off the tooth’s interior. Dental crowns help you keep as much of your natural tooth structure as possible and avoid expensive restorative procedures like bridgework or dental implants.
Dental crowns require more tooth preparation than porcelain veneers, which makes them ideal for teeth that are already damaged. They offer more protection than veneers, which is what makes them ideal for advanced tooth restoration.
Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Dental Crowns: Maintenance
Despite their different functions, porcelain veneers and dental crowns do not require additional maintenance beyond brushing and flossing. Veneers can last 10 to 15 years, and must be replaced if they become damaged. Crowns tend to last longer, sometimes even for the rest of a patient’s life, and also need to be replaced if they are lost or damaged.
Regular checkups with Dr. Khanna will ensure whichever dental restoration you choose stays healthy for as long as possible.
Bethesda, MD Restorative Dentist
Bethesda Family Smiles offers dental care to patients of all ages. To discuss the difference between porcelain veneers and dental crowns, and which one is best for you, request an appointment online or call us at 301.500.2205 today.