Crowns vs veneers

When it comes to filling in those chips or gaps in the teeth it can be difficult to know whether crowns or veneers are best for us.

Both crowns and veneers can help to correct similar dental problems, however veneers are mainly used for aesthetic reasons and crowns are used for both aesthetic and structural reasons.

You should make your decision based on advice from your dentist, who can give you a professional opinion based on your own unique situation and the health of your teeth and gums.

Here is some information about the differences between Crowns and Veneers which may help when making a decision:

The differences between crowns and veneers

The main physical differences between crowns and veneers are:

Crowns encase the whole tooth, where veneers only cover the front surface of your tooth

Crowns are thicker than veneers which are wafer-thin, shells of tooth-coloured materials surprisingly unnoticeable at around half a millimetre.

Advantages of crowns

Crowns can be made from porcelain or metal and are better suited to patients whose teeth have suffered from decay or damage due to root canal treatment.

They are great for strengthening and rebuilding teeth, so if you have issues with tooth strength or structure, crowns may be the best option for you.

Crowns are stronger than veneers and can take more pressure, so for this reason they are a better option for using on the back teeth.

Unlike veneers, you can have crowns on teeth that have low enamel, root canal treatment or more serious damage.

Advantages of Veneers

Veneers are normally made from porcelain which makes them the perfect choice for patients who have a healthy tooth structure and want to change the shape and colour of their teeth.

Unlike crowns, veneers help save most of the tooth structure which means that they only require minor or sometimes even no tooth reduction.

Crowns are usually more expensive than veneers, although this depends on the amount of work required on the tooth. You should discuss the options with your dentist.
If you need advice on Crowns and Veneers call the practice on 0121 711 2424. Do you have Crowns or Veneers? We are keen for you to share your experiences with other patients over on our Facebook page.