In the past, dental crowns have been the standard treatment for various cosmetic problems as well as to repair some types of tooth damage. However, veneers are often a less invasive and more effective treatment. Under many circumstances, you can avoid the invasive restructuring of your teeth and restore the look of your smile with an easily applied veneer.
Advantages of Veneers
A dental veneer can correct the look of numerous problems with your smile. Having a veneer placed is a relatively simple process that requires only a thin layer of enamel to be removed from the surface of your teeth. Veneers can effectively correct the look of:
• Severe discoloration
• Pitted or cracked tooth surfaces
• Small gaps between the teeth
The individual veneer is made of porcelain, which can be color matched to your teeth, making it look natural, so no one can tell you’ve had any cosmetic work done. The porcelain is also translucent, so it reflects light just like natural enamel. Your teeth will never have a “plastic” look that can occur with other types of restoration. If you have concerns about the look of your smile, consult with your cosmetic dentist to see if a veneer is a good option.
When are Crowns Used?
There are some cases in which a crown is a better option. In most cases, crowns are used for restorations rather than cosmetic purposes. The most common use for a crown is to treat:
• Severely damaged or cracked teeth
• Damaged teeth that have already been treated with fillings
• Teeth that have undergone a root canal
Crowns are also used to anchor a bridge used to replace a small number of missing teeth.
Placing a crown is more invasive than placing a veneer because the tooth must be restructured significantly to make room for the crown. For this reason, it is often a better choice to use a veneer for a cosmetic treatment and reserve use of a crown for necessary restorative work.
Call us at 416-922-1012 to schedule an appointment with Dr. Nicholas Kemp and learn more about which option is right for your smile.