Two common dental treatments are porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers. These treatments are similar in that they both involve covering your real tooth with dental porcelain, but the circumstances in which you’d need one or the other are different.
Austin dentist Dr. John Schmid has years of experience placing both crowns and veneers, and can let you know which would be more beneficial for your unique situation. Schedule your free consultation by calling 512-329-5967 today.
Porcelain Crowns for Function and Beauty
Porcelain crowns are thicker and cover more of the tooth than veneers. While porcelain veneers are wafer-thin and are placed only on the front of the tooth, porcelain crowns are much thicker and cover the entire visible surface of the tooth.
Porcelain crowns are generally a better option in cases where:
- Your tooth has a lot of structural damage
- You’ve had a root canal
- The tooth will be subjected to forces such as biting and chewing
Since porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth, they require more of your natural tooth to be removed so that the crown will fit properly. However, crowns are a durable, strong, and long-lasting solution. Porcelain crowns are the most natural looking and are used on teeth that are visible while smiling. If you need a crown on a back tooth or your tooth needs a stronger material than porcelain alone, gold crowns and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns are also an option.
Porcelain Veneers for Cosmetic Improvement
If your teeth have minor cosmetic issues but are still strong, porcelain veneers are often a better choice than crowns. Porcelain veneers can effectively cover problems such as:
- Minor chips and cracks
- Discoloration
- Minor gaps and crowding
Veneers are most often placed only on the front teeth that are visible when you smile. They are popular among celebrities since they give the appearance of straight, even, white teeth. Some of your natural enamel will need to be removed so that the veneers can fit comfortably in your mouth, but the amount removed is much less than with crowns.
Smile Makeover with Porcelain Veneers and Crowns
In some cases, patients may benefit from a combination of porcelain veneers and porcelain crowns. If you have minor damage on some teeth and more extensive damage on others, Dr. Schmid may recommend a custom smile makeover treatment that addresses all of your dental issues with the appropriate treatment.
Common smile makeover treatments can include:
- Porcelain veneers
- Porcelain crowns
- Metal crowns
- ClearCorrect
- Dental bonding
- Dental implants
Dr. Schmid will carefully examine your teeth and gums, and listen to your concerns and goals. He will then work together with you to find a custom treatment plan to improve your smile and oral health.
Schedule Your Free Consultation
If you are interested in porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, or a full smile makeover, please contact Contemporary Cosmetic Dentistry at 512-329-5967 to schedule your free initial consultation.
Dr. Schmid serves patients in and around Austin, Bee Cave, and Lakeway, Texas.