The Difference Between Crowns and Veneers

Crowns and veneers are both treatments that are utilized by dentists to address various different situations. However, the disparities between them can often be confusing to the average patient. The Artistic Dental team is here to help, and ready to show you all the differences!

Dental crowns and veneers are fairly similar to one another in their goal to give you a cleaner smile, but there are some differences. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain applied to the front of teeth; they can radically transform imperfect smiles for the better. If your teeth are discolored, worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, gapped, uneven or irregularly shaped, veneers might be a great choice. However, if you’ve previously had root canal therapy, crowns will provide fragile teeth with more structural support. Crowns and veneers are made with the same materials, but unlike veneers, crowns encapsulate the entire tooth. If you have attractive teeth that are simply misaligned, braces are probably a better choice. All procedures are now done in aesthetic full-porcelain avoiding the ugly “metal under crown” look.

Both are options that can greatly improve your confidence and, most importantly, your smile and overall oral health. However, the variations between these procedures – whether a veneer or a crown is more appropriate, for example – are immense. Oftentimes crowns are utilized when more damage has been done to the teeth or gums, and when veneers cannot accurately correct these issues. When the issue is primarily cosmetic, compromises the face of the tooth, a veneer may be the best option.

We suggest that you find out how experienced your dentist is when it comes to working with veneers. You’ll also want to ask what kind of satisfaction guarantees the office provides. If you experience problems with your veneers down the road, it is imperative that you know what options are open to you.

How do I know if I need orthodontia?

One of the first things people will see is your smile, which explains why so many turn to orthodontia. Orthodontia is a very effective treatment to achieve a beautiful smile, but it is not only utilized for its cosmetic benefits. Proper oral alignment will also help improve overall health by guiding correct jaw growth, realigning one's bite, protecting teeth from wear, and preventing jaw pain and problems with one's teeth later on.

Understanding orthodontia benefits may be reason enough to find out if you are a good candidate for treatment. Before making any decisions, however, it's important to first seek guidance from a trained professional in orthodontia to see how orthodontic treatment would help your smile and bite.

The first step is an exam and discussion with your dentist; then the dentist may refer you to an orthodontist. In the case of Artistic Dental, we are trained and certified in orthodontics and able to provide treatments as needed.

For children, it is recommended that they be evaluated for orthodontics by age seven; this is when dentists and orthodontists can start to tell if emerging teeth will be misaligned or there are complications with jaw growth. In some cases, they may find that everything is acceptable and that orthodontia is not necessary. If treatment is recommended, it will usually begin between the ages of 9 and 14.

Although most people who have orthodontia are young, braces aren't just for tweens and teens. In fact, of the more than four million people in the U.S. that wear braces, 25% are adults, proving that it's never too late to get that perfect smile!

Braces have come a long way since the old metal brackets. Now there are a variety of options, including clear, invisible and ceramic. After the course of orthodontic treatment, which can take anywhere from a few months to a few years, patients will usually wear retainers in order to maintain the position of the teeth and the surrounding bone.

If you are thinking about orthodontia for you or your child, contact Artistic Dental for a complimentary consultation. We can answer any questions you may have, tell you if treatment is something worth pursuing, and discuss your options. Give us a call or visit our website to schedule an appointment.