How do you know if porcelain crowns or porcelain veneers will be recommended to restore your teeth? The answer depends on the condition of your teeth, the goals for your smile, your individual case, and the cosmetic dentist you choose.
- Condition of your teeth – Are your teeth healthy, free from decay, and not worn down? Porcelain veneers cover only the front of your teeth and are bonded to healthy teeth. Teeth that are cracked, decayed, or badly down need to be protected with porcelain crowns.
- Goals for your smile – Do you want a smile makeover, or to change the shape, size, alignment, or color of your teeth? These are things that porcelain veneers can accomplish for healthy teeth. They cover only the front of your teeth and require minimal tooth preparation. To accomplish these goals with porcelain crowns requires significant tooth reduction, because a crown covers the entire tooth from the gumline to the biting surface.
- Your cosmetic dentist – After examining and taking diagnostic studies of your teeth, your cosmetic dentist may decide that a particular treatment will work best to restore your smile. The final decision is yours, though.
- Your case – Every patient case is different. Porcelain veneers may work well for you, but porcelain crowns may be the preferred treatment for someone else. Budget may be a concern for some patients, and porcelain crowns are less expensive than porcelain veneers.
Be certain to find an experienced cosmetic dentist who takes the time to evaluate your case and anticipate the results you will get—in both function and beauty—depending on which treatment is used. You may consider getting more than one opinion. Be prepared to ask questions, take notes, and compare your options before deciding on a provider for your treatment.
Find an accredited cosmetic dentist. He or she has a proven history of creating beautiful smiles, even for difficult cases.
This post is sponsored by award-winning NJ cosmetic dentist Dr. Allyson Hurley.