Crowns and Veneers

Dental Crowns vs. Dental Veneers

Understanding the Differences and Processes

Welcome to our comprehensive guide on dental crowns and dental veneers.

Both are popular dental treatments designed to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth, but they serve different purposes and involve distinct procedures. Here’s a detailed comparison, followed by an in-depth look at each treatment.

Comparison: Dental Crowns vs. Dental Veneers Purpose

Purpose

Dental Crowns

• Functionality – Crowns are used to cover or “cap” a damaged or weakened tooth. They restore the tooth’s shape, size, and strength, providing protection and improving function. Crowns are often employed after root canals, fractures, or significant decay.
• Aesthetic – Crowns can also improve the appearance of discoloured or misshapen teeth, but their primary role is structural.

Dental Veneers

• Functionality – Veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of teeth. They are primarily used for cosmetic purposes to enhance the appearance of your smile by correcting issues like discolouration, chips, or gaps.
• Aesthetic – Veneers are designed to give your teeth a natural, white, and uniform appearance, making them ideal for enhancing the overall look of your smile.

Process

Dental Crowns

1. Preparation
   The tooth receiving the crown is often reduced in size to make room for the crown. This process involves removing part of the tooth’s structure.
2. Impressions
   Once the tooth is prepared, impressions are taken to create a custom crown. This may involve traditional moulds or digital scans.
3. Placement
   A temporary crown is placed while the permanent one is being made in a laboratory. The final crown is then cemented onto the prepared tooth a few weeks later.

Dental Veneers

1. Preparation
   Veneers require minimal tooth reduction. Typically, a thin layer of enamel is removed from the front surface of the tooth to ensure a proper fit.
2. Impressions
   Impressions are taken to create custom veneers, which can involve traditional moulds or digital imaging.
3. Placement
   Temporary veneers may be placed while your custom veneers are being made in a laboratory. Once ready, the veneers are bonded to the front surface of the teeth using a strong adhesive.

Durability and Maintenance

Dental Crowns

Crowns are durable and designed to last many years, often 10-15 years or more, with proper care. They require regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups to ensure their longevity.

Dental Veneers

Veneers are also long-lasting but may need replacement or repair over time due to chipping or discolouration. They generally last between 7 and 15 years, provided good oral hygiene is maintained.

How much do Crowns and Veneers cost?

Crowns

• Private – £650.00.
• Denplan Essentials – £520.00.
• Denplan Care – Lab fee only.

Veneers

• Private – £650.00.
• Denplan Essentials – £520.00.
• Denplan Care – Lab fee only.

Whether you’re considering dental crowns or veneers, understanding their purposes and processes helps ensure you make an informed choice for your dental needs.

Consult with your dentist to explore which option best aligns with your goals and learn how to achieve a healthier, more confident smile.