Many patients visit our office looking for solutions to conceal, replace, or repair their teeth. We encourage any patient dealing with dental damage to schedule an appointment with Dr. Blaylock as soon as possible so that he may provide you with a personalized treatment plan. During your appointments, Dr. Blaylock and our team of dental professionals are happy to answer any questions you might have about our recommended treatment plans. Here are some frequently asked questions about two common dental services: porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
What is a porcelain veneer?
A porcelain veneer is a cosmetic dentistry solution that is utilized to help you conceal minor blemishes on your tooth surfaces. These blemishes can include minor chips, cracks, or stains. Patients may also utilize veneers to cover up small gaps in their smile to help their smile appear more symmetrical. You can choose to alter your smile using one veneer or several, depending on your cosmetic goals. The veneers are designed to be porcelain caps which are securely attached to the front facing portion of your tooth.
What is a dental crown?
A dental crown is a restorative dentistry solution that is utilized to help you restore the functionality of your smile following severe dental damage. While some chips and cracks may be concealed utilizing a porcelain veneer, deeper damages may require more extensive care via a dental crown. A dental crown is designed to replace the entire exterior portion of your tooth rather than just the front-facing portion. It requires an extensive amount of enamel removal to make space for the tooth restoration.
What is the difference between a porcelain veneer and a dental crown?
There are several differences between porcelain veneers and dental crowns. Porcelain veneers are much less invasive than dental crowns because they do not require as much enamel removal. However, they are designed for more cosmetic purposes rather than for restorative purposes. Generally, we see patients seek our porcelain veneers to cosmetically enhance the appearance of their front teeth while dental crowns are utilized to restore the functionality of back molars which are necessary for chewing and speaking purposes.
Do I need a porcelain veneer or a dental crown?
The best way to determine which treatment plan will most closely align with your dental health needs and goals is to schedule an appointment with our dental care team. Together, we will work with you to determine whether a crown or a veneer will benefit your smile. We look forward to seeing you soon.