As cosmetic dentists, we have many conversations with patients on how to best improve their smile. We’ve noticed that there’s a lot of confusion in regard to the differences between porcelain veneers and crowns. People often wonder which option is considered the most effective: the best crowns available or the best veneers. NYC is a popular place for performing smile makeovers and we often use a combination of both, depending on what the individual tooth requires. Each prosthetic can be crafted to look highly esthetic. Better yet, both veneers and crowns are metal-free and are made entirely from ceramics (aka porcelain).
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are a terrific option to improve the esthetics of stained, discolored, and poorly shaped teeth. However, dental crowns are often used to repair badly broken teeth. A veneer will mostly cover the front (facial) surface and the edge (incisal) of the tooth, leaving the back (lingual) portion untouched. This is less invasive than a crown but will not make an already weakened tooth stronger. Hence, the best veneers, NYC professionals will confirm, are perfect for teeth that aren’t damaged but mostly need cosmetic improvements.
Problems Solved by Veneers
While every case is different, generally for any esthetic improvements you’ll likely want to go with getting the best veneers. NYC dental professionals like SmileArts have helped clients improve their smiles and feel confident again with this simple procedure. Porcelain veneers are ceramic shells designed to match the natural color of your teeth, and are custom-made to restore and elevate your smile. They can solve a number of superficial problems and are a great alternative to crowns, which can be a little more intensive.
Here are some of the issues that can be fixed:
- Repair chips and simple damage
- Improve irregularity in shape or reduce the appearance of cracks
- Amend discoloration
- Restore any damage caused by severe wearing or grinding
- Reduce or close any unwanted gaps and spaces
- Improve larger gums
Dental Porcelain Crown
Teeth treated with root canals usually require crowns for strength, which prevents them from breaking. Unlike veneers, a crown completely surrounds the tooth. The advantage of a crown is that it actually makes a weakened tooth stronger and less likely to fracture. After a root canal, a crown is more appropriate than a veneer since the tooth is at a higher risk of breaking.
Problems Solved by Crowns
While many esthetic problems can be solved with some of the very best veneers, NYC dentists will tend to advise root canal patients to opt for porcelain crowns instead. As mentioned above, this is because it’s the better option for weakened teeth. Unlike the previous procedure, which is just a small shell, this restoration covers the entire tooth with a reinforced cap and it can help with a number of issues.
- Protect a vulnerable crack
- Cover severe discoloration
- Protect after a root canal treatment
- Cover an implant
- Support a dental bridge
- Restore wear from severe breaks or grinding
- Offer extra strength to a weakened tooth
The Processes
While each restoration requires a similar process, there are some differences. Whether you’re getting the best crowns or the best veneers, NYC dental professionals will ensure you understand everything before your appointment so that you feel comfortable. Here’s a brief overview of what you can expect from both procedures.
Getting Veneers
You’ll have around three appointments, in order to ensure that the end product results in you going home with the very best veneers. NYC dentists, like ours at Smile Arts, will start off with a consultation to decide how many restorations are required and what color is needed. We have plenty of experience offering this procedure, so you’ll receive expert advice and be in very safe hands.
Your second appointment will involve removing a very thin layer of enamel from your current teeth. This is to keep the end result looking as natural as possible. An impression is then made, which will be sent to the highly experienced technicians to create your bespoke veneers. At this point, you’ll be given some temporary restorations to go home with.
Finally, you’ll have the chance to try on the new porcelain additions and see how everything looks and feels. If you and your dentist are happy with the result, the veneers will be bonded and your new smile is ready to hit the town.
Getting a Crown
Similar to the above procedure, getting crowns requires multiple appointments. Your dentist will have all your history beforehand, so the first session will likely involve preparation for the crown. This again will mean removing some of the natural enamel and, in some cases, extra material will be added to build up particular parts of the tooth. This will all depend on the individual. Impressions will then be taken and they will be sent to a dental lab for your custom crown to be made.
The final appointment is an exciting one. Your temporary crown will be removed and your new, bespoke one fitted. This is also an opportunity to make sure the color, shape and feel are all to your liking. Once you’re satisfied, the new crown will be bonded and you’re ready to go!
Durability
Although they have their differences both of these restorations are extremely effective and can last for many years.
Veneers
The best veneers NYC dentists can provide will be made with the highest quality porcelain. This allows them to be thin and natural but also have the desired durability. If bonded correctly, your new additions will be able to handle the chewing and biting pressures that any other tooth encounters. If you’re worried about grinding at night, you can always ask your dentist about wearing a night guard while sleeping. (See below.) With care, you can expect veneers to last between 10 and 20 years.
Many people seek veneers because their front teeth have become too short from grinding their teeth at night. These patients are in danger of fracturing their restorations over time. Without an appliance to protect their veneers, they may be even worse off than before if they end up breaking. At Smile Arts of NY, we recommend patients who suffer from grinding to firstly get used to wearing a well-fitting custom night guard, before investing in cosmetic dental treatment.
Crowns
Crowns are made to last and, with the proper care, can last as long as 14 years. As mentioned before, one of their key benefits is reinforcing strength to already weak teeth so their lifespan needs to be long. Although metal crowns do tend to last a little longer than porcelain – since they’re made of a stronger material – the latter is easier to color match and has a better esthetic appeal.
Get Rid of a Gummy Grin with a Diode Dental Laser
Sometimes, when gums are uneven, a dental laser can be used to lift or shape them to improve the look. Old crowns can be removed and then, a week or so later, new porcelain crowns or veneers are then fabricated to even out the smile. A night guard might also be offered to protect all the teeth, especially the new crowns.
The patient above did not like the shape and color of her front two crowns. Dr Peter Mann made her gums appear more even with a laser. The old crowns were removed. A week later, two new porcelain crowns were cemented. A night guard was also made for the patient to protect all the teeth, specially our new crowns.
Caring for Veneers and Crowns
Advice for caring for dental prosthetics such as the ones discussed here is much the same as looking after your natural teeth. Here are some tips for keeping both types healthy and long-lasting.
Veneers
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing after meals and flossing regularly
- Wear a night guard if you’re a night time grinder
- Schedule regular hygiene appointments
Crowns
- Brush and floss well after every meal
- Use antibacterial mouthwash to reduce the risk of plaque build-up
- Wear a night guard if you’re a night time grinder
- Avoid very hard foods such as nuts or candy
- Schedule regular hygiene appointments
It’s imperative that dental work such as crowns, veneers, and implants are monitored by a dentist every six months. It’s much easier to prevent problems with routine examinations and cleanings. In the long run, it’s far cheaper and a very worthwhile investment to ensure you schedule and stay on top of these regular visits.
