What smile design is (and why it's not just “getting veneers”)
How a new smile is planned digitally, which treatments it includes and how to know if you're a good candidate.
Read articleBlog · Cosmetic dentistry
Crowns or veneers: which one you need based on your tooth
Both improve how a tooth looks, but they solve different problems. The key isn't which one is “better” — it's how much healthy tooth you have left.
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The main difference
A veneer is a thin shell that covers only the front of the tooth. A crown is a cap that covers the whole tooth. A veneer changes appearance; a crown also protects and strengthens a weakened tooth.
When each one is used
Veneers
- Healthy teeth with stains, mild wear, irregular shape or small gaps
- Cosmetic changes to the teeth that show when you smile
- When the goal is to keep as much natural tooth as possible
Crowns
- Teeth badly damaged by decay or with large fillings
- Fractured teeth or teeth that had a root canal
- On top of dental implants
- Back teeth that take a lot of chewing force
Durability and care
Both, well made and well cared for, last many years. Porcelain ones keep their color. Care is the same as for your own teeth: brushing, flossing, regular cleanings and a night guard if you grind.
Can they be combined?
Yes, and it's very common in a smile design: crowns on the teeth that need them and veneers on the healthy ones, with the same color and shape so everything matches.
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Crown or veneer? We'll see at your evaluation.
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