Porcelain Veneers vs. Crowns
There are a number of cosmetic and structural issues that can compromise the health and appearance of the teeth. When these types of dental problems develop, it is important to determine the best way to treat them so that the smile can be restored to its optimal condition.
Two dental treatments that are frequently requested by Dr. Everett E. Heringer’s patients are porcelain veneers and dental crowns. Both dental crowns and porcelain veneers address flaws to enhance the smile. However, the two techniques are quite different from one another.
Understanding the differences between porcelain veneers vs. crowns can help our Bismarck, ND patients select a dental treatment that is most appropriate for their unique situation.
Porcelain Veneers Applications
Porcelain veneers are a cosmetic dentistry treatment that conceal aesthetic flaws so that patients can enjoy whiter, straighter, and more uniform teeth. Porcelain veneers sit over the front-facing portion of the teeth to completely makeover the smile by concealing any combination of the most common imperfections, such as:
- Dental stains
- Tooth discoloration
- Minor chips, cracks, or fractures
- Gapped teeth
- Minor orthodontic issues
Porcelain Veneers Procedure
Porcelain veneers placement typically requires two dental appointments. The initial appointment at our Bismarck office allows Dr. Heringer to discuss patients’ concerns so that he can design a set of veneers that will address their unique needs.
When designing porcelain veneers, Dr. Heringer will consider the size, shape, and color of the teeth, as well as how the veneers will enhance the proportions of other facial features. This first appointment will also allow Dr. Heringer to prep the teeth for veneers placement by removing a thin layer of tooth enamel.
A couple of weeks after the first appointment, the patient’s permanent veneers will arrive at our office. At this time, the patient will return to have the veneers placed. Dr. Heringer will test the fit of the veneers before bonding them to the teeth with a special dental compound. Once hardened, this compound secures the porcelain veneers in place so that they can withstand all the routine wear and tear that the teeth are exposed to.
Dental Crown Applications
Dental crowns certainly improve the appearance of the teeth, but they are considered more of a restorative dentistry treatment because they are generally used to treat significant dental damage. Dental crowns are best-suited to repair a single tooth (or small set of teeth) that has been compromised by issues such as:
- Advanced tooth decay
- Moderate to severe acid erosion
- Larger chips, cracks, or fractures
- Root canal infection
- Significant staining or discoloration
Dental Crown Procedure
Like porcelain veneers, dental crowns are typically placed over the span of two dental appointments. A first appointment will be scheduled so that Dr. Heringer can plan and design a dental crown that will address the patient’s specific concerns, while still blending in with the adjacent natural teeth. The difference between porcelain veneers and dental crown treatment is the preparation process. Dental crown placement requires the removal of a significant amount of tooth structure. Dr. Heringer will completely reshape the tooth to ensure all damaged enamel has been removed, leaving ample room for the dental crown, which will completely enclose the natural tooth.
When the permanent dental crown is complete, patients will return for the placement procedure. After testing to make sure the crown fits as intended, Dr. Heringer will bond it in place. Once secure, the dental crown will function just like the natural teeth.
Contact Us
If you are dissatisfied with the state of your smile, Dr. Everett E. Heringer can customize a treatment plan to get you the smile you desire. To learn more about the comprehensive range of dental services offered at our Bismarck practice, contact us at your earliest convenience or call (701) 255-4850 to schedule an appointment.