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In this article, I will compare porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers, and help you decide which one is right for you.
Porcelain crowns, also known as dental caps, are dental prosthetics that are designed to cover the entire tooth. They are usually recommended for patients with teeth that have been damaged by decay, injury, or other factors. Porcelain crowns can also be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or have large fillings.
Porcelain crowns are custom-made to fit your tooth and mimic the look of your natural teeth. They are durable and can last for many years with proper care. Porcelain crowns are also stain-resistant and easy to maintain, making them a great option for people who want a long-term solution for their dental problems. However, there is about a 10-20% chance that you will need a root canal treatment afterwards.
Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that are designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. They are a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can be used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or have small gaps. Porcelain veneers are often recommended for patients who want a quick and easy solution to their dental problems.
Porcelain veneers are designed to look like natural teeth and are bonded to the front of your teeth. They are durable and can last for many years with proper care. Porcelain veneers are also stain-resistant and easy to maintain, making them a great option for people who want to improve their smile without undergoing extensive and destructive dental work. (See our article on every everything you need to know about porcelain veneers)
While both porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers are great for improving the appearance of your teeth, they have different applications and benefits. Here are some of the key differences between the two:
Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth, while porcelain veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth. If you have a tooth that is severely damaged or decayed, a porcelain crown may be the best option for you. If it is not, the porcelain veneer is much better.
Porcelain crowns are more durable than porcelain veneers, and can last for many years with proper care. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, are thinner and more delicate, and may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years. However, if the tooth has no fillings and the teeth are straightened beforehand i.e. lots of enamel present, the difference between crowns and veneers is minimised.
Porcelain crowns may be more expensive than porcelain veneers, due to the amount of material and work required to make them (see our article on cost of porcelain veneers). Porcelain veneers are a more cost-effective option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth without breaking the bank.
Porcelain crowns require more preparation than porcelain veneers, as the entire tooth needs to be filed down to accommodate the crown. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, require less preparation and can be bonded to the front of your teeth with minimal removal of the tooth structure.
Whether you should opt for porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers depends on your individual needs and preferences. If you have a severely damaged tooth, a porcelain crown may be the best option for you. If you want to improve the appearance of your teeth without undergoing extensive dental work, porcelain veneers may be a better option. One important thing to note is that both porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers require healthy teeth and gums to ensure their success. If you have underlying dental problems, such as gum disease or decay, those issues should be addressed before undergoing cosmetic procedures.
As a dentist, I always recommend that patients schedule a consultation with me before making a decision about which cosmetic dental procedure to undergo. During the consultation, we can discuss your individual needs and preferences, and I can help you determine which option is best for you.
If you have any questions for my team and I, please complete this form and one of us will be in contact on the next working day.
Porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth and are recommended for severely damaged teeth. Porcelain veneers, on the other hand, only cover the front surface of your teeth and are often used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discoloured, misshapen, or have small gaps.
Yes, both porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers are durable and can last for many years with proper care and maintenance. Porcelain crowns are more durable than porcelain veneers and can last for decades, while porcelain veneers may need to be replaced after 10 to 15 years.
Yes, both porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers are easy to maintain with regular brushing and flossing. They are also stain-resistant and can be cleaned at home or during regular dental check-ups.
No, porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers do not require any special care beyond regular dental hygiene practices. However, you should avoid chewing on hard objects, such as ice or hard candy, to prevent damage to the prosthetics.
Porcelain crowns are typically more expensive than porcelain veneers due to the amount of material and work required to make them. Porcelain veneers are a more cost-effective option for patients who want to improve the appearance of their teeth without breaking the bank.
While cosmetic dental procedures like porcelain crowns and porcelain veneers are usually not covered by insurance, some dental plans may provide partial coverage for certain situations, such as when a tooth is damaged due to injury or decay. It's important to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage options.
