Difference Between Veneers and Crowns
A question that we get asked very often is: what is the difference between a dental crown and a veneer? Here at Christopher Cooley DDS and Diane Flexsenhar DDS, the best dentist in Germantown, TN, we handle a wide range of cosmetic dentistry and restorative dentistry concerns for our patients. Let’s take a look at what a veneer and crown are, and then address the differences. If you think that you are interested in veneers or need a crown, call our office today for a free consultation, or stop by our office on 7938 Wolf River Blvd near Germantown Parkway.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are an excellent treatment option for patients who are unsatisfied with the appearance of their smiles. These thin, porcelain shells are affixed to the front of your natural teeth, instantly creating a new smile. Porcelain is a translucent material that mimics the look of natural tooth enamel. Veneers cover stains, chips, and cracks, and they can even improve the look of overly spaced or worn-down teeth. We can improve your smiles with veneers in as few as two visits. With proper care, this revolutionary treatment can last 10 years or more.
DURAthin Prepless Veneers
In addition to traditional porcelain veneers, we also offer DURAthin prepless veneers. These veneers are much thinner than traditional veneers and are designed for placement upon your teeth without any manipulation to your enamel beforehand.
Prepless veneers give immediate results, straightening the visible portion of your smile with minimal tooth impact. These veneers mimic the natural translucency and shine of teeth, and no one can tell that they aren’t your natural teeth.
Prepless veneers are only suitable for some candidates because they can look bulky on too-large teeth. Dr. Cooley and Dr. Flexsenhar can help determine which type of veneer is best for you.
Porcelain Crowns
Porcelain crowns are individual restorations that fully cover your tooth. Crowns fit upon your natural tooth, covering all of its surfaces and restoring its functionality. We create porcelain crowns that are matched in size, shape, and color to your smile, so they are indistinguishable from your adjacent natural teeth. Inlays and Onlays are smaller restorations than crowns that restore the biting surface of a patient’s tooth. Sometimes called indirect fillings, these restorations are made in a laboratory to fit snugly within your smile.
A dental crown can strengthen a tooth that has a significant amount of damage from decay or trauma. Dental crowns are caps that are created to fit snugly upon a patient’s reduced natural teeth. Drs. Cooley and Flexsenhar can match your crown to the color of your adjacent natural teeth, so they are indistinguishable in your smile. Most of the crowns we provide are made from a pressed ceramic called Emax or Empress, although, for extra strength, crowns placed in the posterior of your bite may be made with zirconia, which is exceptionally durable.
Porcelain bridges comprise two or more crowns fused together as single-piece prosthesis. They replace missing teeth and restore a patient’s oral function. Traditional bridges float where missing teeth once were, supported on either side by your remaining natural teeth that have been fitted with specialized crowns. We can also create implant-supported bridges that affix to dental implants. Implant support removes strain on natural teeth and provides unmatched stability and function. Let us help you determine what type of bridge is best for you!
Difference Between Crowns And Veneers
These two procedures sure sound very similar but there must be a difference. The main difference between a crown and a veneer is that the crown typically encases the entire tooth, with 360 degrees of coverage, whereas veneer only covers the front of the tooth.
Another difference between the two is that crowns are normally slighter thicker than veneers, which requires a couple of extra millimeters of the tooth to be trimmed. With some veneer techniques, no reduction is needed at all.
Both of these dental treatments can address many dental concerns that our patients have, so it is best to consult with your dentist about which treatment is best for you.
If you would like to learn more about your treatment options for crowns and veneers, please contact us today at 901-754-3117, so that you can come to visit the best dentist in Germantown, TN. We have patients come from all over the southeast to visit Drs. Cooley and Flexsenhar, especially those nearby in Memphis, Cordova, Collierville, Bartlett, Southaven, Olive Branch, West Memphis and more. Our dentists have years of experience and we are always looking forward to helping you with any of your dental needs! Feel free to browse through our website to see more of our cosmetic dentistry solutions, dental implants, Invisalign, porcelain veneers, porcelain crowns, and more.