Dental crowns and porcelain veneers are two dental solutions that we commonly recommend to our patients. As your local dentist in Severna Park, MD, we are committed to educating our patients on their options for dental treatments. The following is some additional information that should help you better understand the differences between crowns and veneers:
Porcelain Veneers
We typically recommend porcelain veneers to patients with extensive cosmetic goals for their smiles. They can be used to conceal blemishes like minor gaps, stains, chips, or cracks. A porcelain veneer is a thin, ceramic shell that is designed to cover the front-facing portion of your natural tooth. Requiring very little enamel removal, the veneer cosmetically replaces your tooth while allowing you to maintain the functionality of your natural tooth beneath it. This makes veneers and excellent option to patients interested in a complete smile makeover. Patients can get one veneer or a full mouth of veneers depending on their cosmetic and budgetary goals. However, be advised that veneers are only meant to cosmetically restore your smile. Severe tooth damage will need other services to restore the functionality of the natural tooth.
Dental Crowns
When you suffer from a deep chip or crack, we will recommend a dental crown to help restore the functionality of your tooth. While minor blemishes can be fixed using other cosmetic solutions, dental crowns are considered a restorative dentistry solution because they go beyond what a veneer is capable of fixing. A dental crown is created to be a prosthetic tooth cap that fits over the foundational core of your natural tooth. Requiring significant enamel removal, a dental crown involves your natural tooth being saved down to its interior so that the crown can replace the entire exterior of the tooth. While this is a more invasive procedure than a porcelain veneer, it allows patients who have suffered from significant tooth damage to restore the functionality of their smiles while also avoiding the need for tooth extraction.
Schedule An Appointment
Are you interested in seeing what porcelain veneers can do for your smile? Do you suspect you’re in need of a dental crown? Dr. Lynn Morgan is an experienced cosmetic and restorative dentist in Severna Park, MD. She is currently accepting appointments from new and returning patients. Please schedule an appointment online, and we look forward to seeing you soon.