Crowns vs. Veneers: Which One Makes Sense for Your Specific Problem

Crowns and veneers can both transform your smile, but they’re not interchangeable. Veneers are touch-up artists, perfect for covering minor imperfections. But when you have structural damage? That’s when crowns shine. 

At Greenwich Dentistry in Greenwich, Connecticut, we work with patients daily to determine whether a crown or veneer better fits their needs. Before deciding, we evaluate your oral health and discuss your needs and goals. So, which one makes sense for you?

What are veneers? 

Veneers can make your smile brighter, whiter, and more perfect. There’s a reason they’re popular with Hollywood celebrities. 

Veneers are thin shells, typically made of porcelain or composite resin, that are bonded to the fronts of your teeth. People choose them to correct minor imperfections such as a misalignment, chip, or gummy smile.

Studies show they can last 10 years or more, making them an excellent option for cosmetic procedures. 

What are crowns?

Crowns give structure and strength to a badly damaged tooth. Usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or a composite, crowns are long-lasting and preserve what’s left of your tooth. 

You may need a crown if your tooth is cracked, is severely decayed, or has undergone a root canal. For example, back molars are prone to cavities; sometimes, there’s not much left of the tooth after filling it. That’s a good time for a crown. 

Veneers vs. crowns: What you can expect 

As you can see, veneers and crowns serve different purposes. The only way to truly assess your needs is to schedule a consultation with a dental professional. 

Veneers might be the best option if you have healthy teeth with minor damage or discoloration. We start with a consultation to discuss your expectations. Then, we prep your teeth and take impressions for temporary veneers while the permanent ones are being custom-made.

Generally, you can expect to make 2-3 visits over a week or two for your smile transformation. 

With crowns, we remove the decay, take impressions of your tooth, and place a temporary crown while a lab crafts the permanent one. Once installed, the permanent crown protects your tooth from further damage.

Crowns can also be attached to a dental bridge or other structural dental work. We usually install crowns in two appointments. 

Both crowns and veneers are color-matched to your complexion and original teeth, so they look natural. 

Need dental care? Greenwich Dentistry welcomes you to our comfortable Cos Cob office. Call us today to schedule an appointment.