What’s the difference?
Crowns and veneers are both restorative treatments which can improve the look and function of your teeth, but they are different things.
Crowns cap the whole tooth, are much thicker and can be made from porcelain, metal alloy or a mixture of both fused together.
Veneers only cover the front of your natural tooth and are about half as thick. They’re often made from porcelain, but other materials can also be used.
Depending on the circumstances and condition of your tooth, either option could be used to restore:
- Chipped, cracked or broken teeth.
- Teeth suffering from signs of decay.
- Crooked teeth.
- Discoloration.
Whatever your concerns, we can help you to explore your options. Just be aware that another treatment option may be the most suitable, depending on the situation.
More about crowns
Because a crown caps the whole tooth, your natural tooth may need to be filed down, making it possible to fit the crown on top.
Your dentist will take care to remove any traces of decay, as well as reinforcing the natural tooth where required to offer support to your new crown.
What’s good about them?
- A well-maintained crown can protect your tooth from further damage and decay.
- Crowns are securely cemented, giving you peace of mind and confidence.
- A full crown won’t have surface imperfections you might find distracting.
- Crowns can be used to restore very damaged teeth.
- Porcelain crowns look and feel like a natural tooth.
What are the drawbacks?
- More of your natural tooth could be removed to make space for your crown.
- There is a small risk that the nerve could die post-treatment, which could result in you needing further treatment, such as a root canal filling.
- You could experience heightened tooth sensitivity for a short time.
- Porcelain can chip or crack over time.
- In some cases, fused metal and porcelain crowns can show a thin dark like along the gumline.
- Crowns aren’t reversible.
Making and fitting a crown
Your dentist will check through your medical history, examine your teeth and, if required, take x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and treatment options.
If it’s a dental crown you’d like to go ahead with:
- We’ll start by preparing your natural tooth, creating a stable foundation for your new crown to be fitted onto. We’ll numb the area with anaesthetic first, just to save you any discomfort.
- Next, we’ll take impressions, or scan your teeth, creating a model our lab colleagues can use to make a crown in your preferred material.
- You’ll usually be fitted with a temporary crown, just to see you through until your new crown is crafted and ready to be fitted.
- We’ll get in touch once your crown is ready, inviting you back to the practice to have it fitted.
- Your temporary crown will be removed, and your permanent crown fitted, ensuring that it sits comfortably before being cemented into place.
If you experience any movement over time, you may need to have your crown adjusted. Otherwise, take care of your new crown and you’ll spend many happy years together.
Case study: Veneers
This patient had previously had veneers placed on 8 of her upper teeth. The front 6 had become chipped and uneven over a number of years. We were very happy to help when she asked us to replace them and improve her smile.
We completed the process over a couple of appointments. Starting with the removal of the old veneers. We then fitted temporary veneers whilst we had the new EMAX veneers specially constructed.
The improvement was instant, affording our patient more confidence in her fabulous new smile.
My experience has been excellent with the practice. The care, attention and advice has been first class. I am extremely happy with my new veneers. I have been in very good hands with Rob and Diane and the other members of the team.
More about veneers
Because a veneer only covers the front surface of your tooth, more of your natural tooth is left intact. In that way, veneers are less invasive than crowns.
Your dentist will need to grind down the tooth surface, making space for the new veneer, and creating a suitable bonding surface.
What’s good about them?
- A veneer can improve the visual appeal of your smile, without the risk of a dark line showing along the gum-line, which can sometimes happen with crowns.
- Veneers are securely cemented, with minimum risk of movement.
- More of your natural tooth is retained.
What are the drawbacks?
- The margins between the veneer and your natural tooth could present an increased risk of future decay.
- You could experience heightened tooth sensitivity for a short time.
- Veneers could have surface imperfections you may find distracting.
- Porcelain can chip or crack over time.
- A veneer may not be an option if your tooth is very damaged.
- Veneers aren’t always reversible.
Making and fitting veneers
Your dentist will check through your medical history, examine your teeth and, if required, take x-rays to confirm the diagnosis and treatment options.
If it’s a dental veneer you’d like to go ahead with:
- We’ll start by preparing your natural tooth. We’ll numb the area with anaesthetic first, just to save you any discomfort.
- Next, we’ll take impressions, or scan your teeth, creating a model our lab colleagues can use to make a veneer in your preferred material.
- You may be fitted with a temporary veneer, just until your veneer is manufactured and ready to be fitted.
- We’ll get in touch once your veneer is ready, inviting you back to the practice to have it fitted.
- Your temporary veneer will be removed, and your permanent one fitted, ensuring that it sits comfortably before being cemented into place.
Well-maintained veneers can provide great results for several years, giving you the confidence to smile wide and with pride.
How long will a dental crown or veneer last?
You could enjoy many years without any problems, depending on a few factors.
It’s important to maintain good dental hygiene, and routine visits to your dentist.
Teeth located in certain areas within your mouth could be subject to more wear than others, which could cause a crown or veneer to wear sooner than it would in another area. Also, accidental trauma could cause them to move, break or fall out.
If you play contact sports or tend to grind your teeth at night, you might like to invest in a dental guard, providing your teeth (including any crowns and veneers) with a little extra protection.
Finally, you might want to replace a crown or veneer if it stains over time, making it more visible alongside your natural teeth. Obviously, a man-made material won’t respond to treatments like tooth whitening in the same way as a natural tooth would.
What’s the best option?
It really depends on your circumstances. If you’ve had fillings, a root canal or your natural tooth is very damaged, it’s likely that a crown would be the better option.
If your tooth is largely intact and the aim is largely to correct cosmetic concerns, a veneer might be suitable.
How much does treatment cost?
For a single tooth, our treatment costs are detailed below:
Crowns
Private patients from: £650
Discounts apply for Denplan patients
Re-cementing
Private patients from: £60
Discounts apply for Denplan patients
Veneers: book a consultation to get a quote
After-treatment care
Your dentist will provide information and answer any question you have, but you might also like to refer-back to the information below:
Keep the area clean – just be extra careful when you brush for a few days, as your teeth could be a little sensitive after your treatment.
Get a lift home – you could feel a little light-headed after having anaesthetic, so it’s a good idea for someone else to give you a lift home. If that’s not an option, you might like to take a bus, train, or taxi.
Choose softer foods – you might struggle with crunchy foods for a couple of days, so opt for soft things like pasta, rice, stew, yoghurt, or soups.
If you’ve got mild pain – you should be able to manage this at home using over-the-counter pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
We’ll do all we can to make sure there aren’t any complications, but if you need help or advice after your treatment, please just get in touch.
Book for a more complete smile
Now you’ve had a chance to read about the treatments we can offer at White Gables Dental Practice, why not get in touch?