Your smile is the most common feature noticed when you first meet someone. But if you have discoloured, misshapen or damaged teeth, you may want to hide your smile. Veneers and crowns can serve to improve the appearance of your smile and correct a wide range of dental issues.
Veneers
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells used to improve the appearance of natural teeth. These custom-made coverings are permanently fixed to the front surface of teeth using a very strong adhesive dental cement. Veneers can be used to correct:
- Chipped teeth
- Discoloured teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Irregularly shaped teeth
- Smaller than average teeth
Veneers can be made from porcelain, ceramic or composite resin. Your choice of veneer may depend on your dental needs and budget. Veneers can last up to 10 years, depending on the material used, care and dental hygiene practices.
Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap used to restore a tooth’s size, strength, shape and appearance. Crowns can be made from porcelain, ceramic, resin or metal. The most recent advance in crown material is Zirconium–which is an extremely durable tooth-coloured material. Crowns typically last from 5 to 15 years, depending on the type of crown, care and oral hygiene practices.
Dental crowns can be used to:
- Protect decaying and cracked teeth
- Hold a dental bridge in place
- Support teeth with large fillings
- Cover misshapen or severely discoloured teeth
- Restore broken or severely worn teeth
- Protect teeth with root canals from fracture
The difference between dental veneers and crowns
Both crowns and veneers can be used to improve the appearance of your teeth and are made from similar materials. Veneers, however, serve a purely cosmetic purpose, while crowns can restore the function of damaged teeth.
A veneer is usually between 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm in thickness and is placed only on the front surface of the affected tooth. A crown is typically between 0.5 mm and 2 mm thick and covers the entire tooth. To fit a veneer, your dentist must remove a thin layer of enamel from the front of the tooth. In most instances, it is not necessary to go to the back of the tooth or touch the core. On the other hand, a crown requires 60 to 75 percent of the existing, visible tooth to be shaved before your dentist can add a crown. Therefore, being fitted for veneers is a less invasive procedure than a crown treatment.
In the end, determining which option is right for you will depend on the dental issue you are looking to correct and the condition of your teeth.
Veneers and crowns in Surrey
If you need veneers or crowns and are searching for a dentist in Surrey, contact us at Newton Village Dental Clinic. We offer a range of cosmetic and restorative dental procedures, including veneer and crown treatments.
We understand that you deserve dental care that reflects your individual needs and strive to ensure that every visit to our dental clinic is a comfortable and rewarding experience.
Give us a call today to schedule an appointment. Our helpful and friendly staff is waiting to serve you in English, French, Vietnamese or American Sign Language.
