Porcelain Veneers vs. Porcelain Crowns

Chicago, Illinois

Today, people with dental problems have many more restoration choices than previous generations. Likewise, those who are simply unhappy with the appearance of their smiles can turn to cosmetic dentists to achieve a mouthful of straight, white teeth.

Porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns are two popular options to restore a healthy smile. The knowledgeable cosmetic dentists at Colonial Dental Group routinely help patients determine which procedure is best, depending on the patient’s dental health and final smile expectations.

Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are thin porcelain shells that are bonded to the front of teeth to fix cosmetic problems, such as the shape, alignment and color of teeth. Veneers are an excellent solution for people who have otherwise healthy teeth that are:

• Widely spaced
• Cracked or chipped
• Slightly crooked
• Discolored
• Small, narrow or short

Pros and cons of veneers:

• Because porcelain veneers are so thin, only a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be removed from the teeth in order to affix the veneers.
• Entire rows of teeth can be covered in porcelain veneers, often called “instant orthodontics.”
• The porcelain material is stain resistant.
• Once a veneer has been affixed to a tooth, that tooth will most likely always need a veneer or another dental restoration in place to appear aesthetically pleasing.
• Veneers can be less expensive than crowns, but patients may wish to incorporate more than one veneer to achieve the desired smile.

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns are essentially “caps” that are placed over an existing tooth that is too damaged or decayed to withstand a filling. Crowns are a good option for patients who have severe dental issues.

Pros and cons of crowns:

• Crowns are extremely strong and help protect and even strengthen the existing tooth structure.
• The porcelain material can be matched to the color of your existing teeth, creating a more natural appearance.
• The porcelain material is stain resistant.
• In many cases more tooth removal is required to place porcelain crowns so they look aesthetically pleasing and offer the right amount of support for the damaged tooth below.
• Crowns are generally slightly more expensive than veneers.

Both porcelain veneers and crowns are highly durable dental restorations that can give people back the confidence and self-assurance that comes with a great smile.

If you would like to learn more about these dental restoration options or any type of cosmetic dentistry procedure, please contact the Colonial Dental Group in Glenview, Illinois for your consultation.