Many patients visit our office looking for cosmetic and restorative dental services, though they are often unsure which one they need. Our office often provides porcelain veneers and dental crowns to treat a variety of dental concerns. Veneers and crowns are very similar, but also very different at the same time. As your trusted dentist in Atlanta, GA, we wanted to provide some helpful information on these two treatment options so that you can make a more informed decision regarding your dental health when the time comes.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are custom porcelain caps designed to conceal minor blemishes on your tooth surfaces. They act as a protectant shield to your natural tooth as they are attached to the natural tooth’s exterior. This means that you will not need a tooth extraction to receive porcelain veneers. Additionally, veneers are very thin and do not require much enamel removal to make space for them. Typically used as a cosmetic dental solution, porcelain veneers are often recommended to patients looking for an ultimate smile makeover. They can be used to hide bleach-resistant stains, small chips, cracks, and gaps. Once firmly attached to the exterior of your tooth, you will enjoy the improved aesthetics of the veneers while still maintaining the functionality of your natural tooth beneath it.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are custom teeth restorations that are designed to restore severely broken or chipped teeth. When a natural tooth is affected by dental damage, your dentist may recommend a dental crown to prevent further damage, decay, or the need for an extraction. To save the affected tooth, your dentist will shave it down to a foundational core that will support the dental crown. This requires significantly more enamel removal than a porcelain veneer as the dental crown will be replacing the entire exterior of the tooth instead of just the front-facing portion. This explains why we often see patients utilize dental crowns to restore their essential back molars and porcelain veneers to cosmetically enhance the appearance of their front teeth. While both treatment options have cosmetic and restorative benefits, your dentist may recommend one over the other depending on the current state of your natural tooth.
Schedule An Appointment
If you suspect you have suffered from dental damage, or if you would like to learn more about your cosmetic dentistry options, please schedule an appointment with ProudSmiles. Our office welcomes patients and families from Sandy Springs and many communities in the Atlanta area. We look forward to seeing you soon.