Dental Veneers Vs Cosmetic Crowns in Park City, IL

Restorative dental treatments are the answer to overcoming many common dental problems. These treatments can fix issues such as discolored, misaligned, or chipped teeth. Of the range of restorative dental treatments in Park City, Illinois available, dental veneers & cosmetic crowns are amongst the most popular.

But which treatment is best and why might your dentist suggest one over the other?

It’s time to take a closer look at restorative treatments that could transform the look of your smile, now & for many years to come…

How are Dental Veneers and Cosmetic Crowns Similar?

The first similarity between veneers and crowns is that they’re both restorative treatments. This means that they’re designed to restore the natural look of your teeth. Each treatment works by covering one or multiple teeth with an additional layer, often resulting in exceptional improvement to the look, feel, and function of your teeth. The procedures for veneers and crowns are somewhat similar in the fact that part of the tooth must be removed before the coverings can be attached.

• Dental Veneers, it’s normally just some of the enamel layer that’s removed.

 

• Cosmetic Crowns can require upwards of 50% of the tooth to be removed.

Both covering types can also be fairly strong, although crowns are normally more durable, and porcelain and resin can be used for both treatments. Also, both treatments are custom-designed to fit the needs of the individual & they’re normally permanent. If a crown or veneer breaks, gets damaged, or must be removed, then typically it will need to be replaced. The replacement, just like the original treatment, is fully customized. Veneers and crowns are both designed to match the color of the surrounding teeth and fit perfectly onto the tooth.

How are Dental Veneers & Cosmetic Crowns Different?

Veneers and crowns differ in the amount of tooth that needs to be removed and in strength, but there are plenty more differences between the two restorative treatments. Crowns and veneers have a different design and are generally chosen for different reasons.

A veneer is a very thin shell that’s carefully fitted to the front of a tooth, where it changes the appearance of the tooth. A crown is more like a cap that’s designed to completely cover a tooth, again changing the appearance.

Normally your dentist will suggest a veneer if the damage to your teeth is purely cosmetic, such as in the case of discoloration. Yet, crowns are often chosen if your teeth need additional protection or if there’s a problem with the function of your teeth. As crowns are generally more substantial than veneers, they can improve function and aesthetics at the same time.

What About Cosmetic Bonding?

Cosmetic bonding is the third dental restoration treatment that’s often suggested as an alternative to veneers and crowns. The unique treatment is a little different to the other two treatments, but also has some similarities.

The purpose of cosmetic bonding – to restore – is the first thing that the treatment has in common with veneers and crowns. Cosmetic bonding is an effective treatment to tackle discoloration, chipped teeth, and some instances of tooth decay. Like veneers and crowns, resin is used in cosmetic bonding, although unlike the other treatments, it’s the only option.

The cosmetic bonding procedure involves applying the resin material to the surface of a tooth and then curing it using a light. To achieve this bond, the tooth has to be altered slightly, although this is quite different to the processes involved in veneers and crowns, as generally the tooth only needs to be roughened slightly.

Cosmetic bonding normally requires only one session, and with the exception of matching the color of the surrounding teeth and hand-molding the resin to the correct shape, is not a customized treatment. Like veneers, cosmetic bonding is normally suggested for aesthetic improvements, although often not in such extreme cases as veneers.

Overall, cosmetic bonding is a less invasive option when compared to veneers and crowns but has the same main purpose – to improve the look and health of your teeth.

Which Dental Service is Best for You and Why?

With the similarities between veneers, crowns, and bonding, it’s not always easy to decide which dental service will be right for you.  Your dentist may suggest only one of the treatments as the best option to address the specific problems that you’re having with your teeth.

• Cosmetic Bonding is often suggested when there’s only a small degree of aesthetic improvement needed to restore the look of your teeth, such as in cases of discoloration.
• Dental Veneers are the intermediary option, typically used in cases of slightly more prominent aesthetic concerns, such changing the shape of a tooth.
• Crowns are an effective solution for severely cracked teeth or when a tooth needs protection. In cases of severe aesthetic problems or issues with the function of your teeth, crowns are normally suggested.

The type of dental restoration treatment suggested will also depend on the condition of your teeth. For a greater insight into when veneers, crowns, and bonding are often used, take a look at what the treatments can correct, improve, enhance, and treat:

Dental Veneers:

• Corrects – Tooth discoloration, chipped teeth, gaps between teeth, shape
• Improves – Tooth color and appearance
• Enhances – Tooth shape and aesthetics
• Treats – Tooth misalignment, worn teeth, damaged teeth

Cosmetic Crowns:

• Corrects – Cracked and broken teeth, tooth shape, aesthetic problems
• Improves – Tooth color, appearance, and function
• Enhances – Tooth shape and aesthetics
• Treats – Weak teeth, decayed teeth, and broken teeth

Cosmetic Bonding:

• Corrects – Gaps between teeth, discoloration, chipped teeth
• Improves – Tooth color and appearance
• Enhances – Aesthetics
• Treats – Receding gums and damaged teeth

One of the best ways to determine which restorative treatment is right for you is to pay a visit to Beautiful Smiles Dental Center, your local dentist in Park City, IL. No matter which dental treatment is suggested for you, you’ll soon be able to enjoy a better looking and feeling smile.