Dental Crowns vs Veneers

When you have teeth that are starting to get worn down or develop tooth decay, there are usually two big concerns: aesthetics and function.

Cosmetically, broken or decayed front teeth detract from the way your smile looks. But functionally, you need intact teeth in order to maintain a balanced diet. Should you restore your tooth with a cosmetic veneer, or a ceramic crown?

The Perks of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are less invasive than a crown, in that they only cover the part of your tooth that’s visible when you smile. They’re specifically designed for aesthetic purposes and changing the way your teeth look from the outside. Although veneers work best for creating whiter, straighter looking teeth, we can occasionally use them in areas where there is mild chipping or gaps between teeth.

Veneers are typically a multi-tooth treatment. We design each one to fit next to its neighbor and thus create an overall effect for your mouth as a whole.

Added Reinforcement for a Crown

When there are structural issues affecting the integrity of your tooth, you typically need reinforcement from several different directions. A dental crown will cover the entire tooth and distribute biting pressure evenly across its surface. That way broken or decayed areas can continue functioning normally without breaking down even further. If more than just the front of your tooth is affected by a flaw, then a crown will usually trump veneer treatment.

Crowns are generally only placed on the specific tooth that need them, rather than multiple teeth for aesthetic purposes.

Get a Professional Opinion

Sapphire Creek Dental provides a comprehensive menu of restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments in New Braunfels. Call our office today for a consultation.