You want to have something done about your front teeth. They’ve gone through wear, chips, staining, and even have a few small gaps between them. You’ve seen photographs of cosmetic crowns and porcelain veneers, but still aren’t sure which one is right for you.

Is there a difference between the two types of porcelain restorations? Why would one be better over the other?

Full vs. Partial Coverage

Dental crowns are restorations that cover the full surface of your teeth above the gums. They encircle all sides as well as the top. In contrast, dental veneers only cover one surface with slight overlapping around the edges; when attached to the front of your teeth, they do not protect any other areas.

Why would this matter? If you have a compromised tooth that may break when force is placed on it (like when you bite or chew) you need to protect the entire structure. Crowns are used when your tooth has:

• Large cavities
• An old, leaky filling that needs to be replaced
• Cracks or fractures
• A root canal

In contrast, veneers are used to cover the front of a displeasing tooth that’s visible when you smile. The thin porcelain masks what other people see, making it look as if you have a new tooth. A veneer is only used for aesthetic purposes, since there’s nothing structurally wrong with the tooth being treated.

The Similarities in Crowns and Veneers

All of our Somerville dental crowns and veneers are made of the same, high grade porcelains. Carefully chosen colours and shades make it so that your restoration blends in with the teeth around it. In this way, both crowns and veneers are quite similar; we can even use them side-by-side to enhance both healthy and damaged teeth during your smile makeover.

Visit Somersmiles Dental in Somerville to find out how you can give yourself the gift of a beautiful smile!