Dental veneers are often to thank for the beaming, perfectly white, aligned smiles on celebrities. As a cosmetic dental treatment, veneers can completely transform a less-than-perfect smile. Dental crowns are also used cosmetically to improve the appearance of misshapen, small, cracked, chipped, or discolored teeth. However, whereas dental veneers are only used for cosmetic purposes, dental crowns are used as both a cosmetic treatment and a restorative dental treatment to restore a decayed, weakened, cracked, or vulnerable tooth to good health. 

Veneers & Crowns: How They Are Used

Dental veneers are thin shells that are affixed to the front of the teeth, wrapping slightly around the edges of the teeth. Dental crowns are custom-made to match your other teeth in shape, size, and color. They completely cover the teeth underneath them.  

 

A full set of veneers is often placed to improve the appearance, for example, of the upper arch of teeth. Or, you may opt for a single, or a couple of veneers to improve the appearance of a few small teeth, close a small gap between teeth, or correct a stained or discolored tooth.

 

Dental crowns are less commonly used to improve the appearance of an entire arch of teeth. Instead, as a cosmetic treatment, one or more dental crowns may be placed to improve the appearance of and protect a significantly chipped, cracked,  stained, or discolored tooth. 

 

Dental crowns are universally used restoratively to treat cracked teeth, fractured teeth, and significant tooth decay. Dental crowns may be used to treat teeth that have suffered wear and tear from teeth grinding, and are used to protect a tooth after a root canal. Finally, dental crowns are used in dental implants, attaching to the post or screw implanted in the jaw

Dental Veneers vs Crowns: How the Procedures Differ

The procedure for getting dental veneers differs from the dental crown procedure. Those who opt for veneers will need to have their natural teeth etched. This is a non-invasive procedure in which a very thin layer of enamel is removed from the teeth to create space for the shell-like veneers. Digital images and digital impressions will then be taken and sent to the lab to create the veneers. Once the veneers are returned from the lab, you’ll return to have them fitted, adjusted, and finally bonded to your teeth.

 

The procedure for getting a dental crown involves reducing the size of the tooth by filing it down. Digital images and impressions will be taken and sent to the lab to create your crown. Once the crown is returned from the lab, you’ll return to have it fitted, adjusted, and finally permanently bonded to the tooth or teeth.

Veneers vs. Crowns: How to Choose the Right Option for Improving Your Smile

When you’re ready to improve the appearance of your smile, it’s best to get advice from a highly experienced cosmetic dentist. They will evaluate your smile and oral health and provide you with estimates for the cost of each treatment, along with their professional recommendations.  Patients should be aware that dental veneers are not covered by dental insurance. Dental crowns, however, are frequently covered by dental insurance, provided they will restore a damaged tooth and improve your oral health.  

Frequently Asked Questions about Veneers 

Can I pay for dental veneers with CareCredit?

Absolutely. Oakdale Dental Associates accepts CareCredit for all dental treatments.

 

How long will veneers and dental crowns last?

Both dental crowns and dental veneers are made of incredibly durable materials. Patients can expect them to last 7-10 years before needing to be replaced. 

 

Schedule a Cosmetic Dental Consultation in Holyoke, MA

If you’re ready to begin improving the appearance of your smile, Oakdale Dental Associates is here to help. Our friendly, experienced team provides comprehensive preventive, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry at our state-of-the-art practice in Holyoke, MA.  To schedule a consultation call 413-536-1782 or send us a message.

Your smile is powerful and you want it to look good. So, you do what everyone is doing these days and call your dentist to inquire about porcelain veneers. After all, they can turn even the most aesthetically flawed teeth into perfection. The question is, how long can you count on them for a beautiful smile? 

Let’s take a look at how long porcelain veneers last. 

Porcelain Veneers: The Lifespan

Porcelain veneers are not designed to be temporary. They are custom-designed ceramic coverings made to fit your specific tooth. A tiny amount of enamel will be shaved down so that the veneers can be properly bonded to the tooth and blend in with the rest of your teeth without looking raised or out of place. 

While it cannot be said about all options of veneers, porcelain veneers are as strong - if not stronger - than the enamel on your tooth. And that means it is capable of handling everything you put in your mouth. Though, keep in mind, they are not indestructible and can still break much like a tooth. 

With that being said, you can already tell that the lifespan of porcelain veneers has to be rather lengthy. And, you are right. Many last at least 10 years. The key to having them last much longer is to properly care for them. Those who do will find that their porcelain veneers may last 15 to 20 years or more. 

Care for Longevity

If porcelain veneers rely on proper care for longevity, then it is incredibly important to know how to care for them. And since they are going to be semi-permanent residents in your mouth, you may need to step up your oral care regimen. 

Maintain proper oral hygiene. This means brushing and flossing at a minimum of twice each day. And rinsing your mouth with mouthwash. Keep in mind that there are certain techniques you will learn from your dentist to keep your porcelain veneers safe while brushing and flossing since doing so aggressively may cause damage to them. 

Use the right toothpaste. Just as you need to not brush or floss aggressively, you also want to make sure you are using a toothpaste that is suitable for veneers. So many on the market are highly abrasive and may cause damage. Ask your dentist for recommendations. 

Ditch bad habits and harmful foods. Certain things are bad for us, such as smoking. And not only can smoking cigarettes damage our overall health, it can also be terrible for our oral health, wreaking havoc in our mouths. 

Certain foods are bad for our teeth, too. For instance, chewing on ice or indulging in hard foods and hard candy can cause teeth to break or crack. 

Porcelain veneers can be impacted by all of these things, too, so let them go. 

Visit your dentist regularly. Finally, don’t miss your regular dental visits. This is an opportunity to keep your mouth healthy and to address any problems early before they get worse. 

Learn More About Porcelain Veneers at Oakdale Dental Associates, P.C.

Porcelain veneers are a wonderful option for transforming a smile. If you are interested in learning more about them or how they can positively impact your life -- or if you are ready to get started - contact Oakdale Dental Associates, P.C. today! 

Call our office at 413-536-1782 or request an appointment online.