When you’re unhappy with the look of your smile and want to boost your confidence, there are multiple options for restoring your teeth. Two of those options are crowns and veneers. Although both are common in cosmetic dentistry, which one is right for you depends on the condition of your existing teeth and what you’re trying to accomplish with the restoration. Here’s a closer look at both.

Veneers

Typically only used in cosmetic dentistry to change the color and shape of your teeth, veneers are a thin (only about 1 millimeter) layer of porcelain or composite material bonded over your existing teeth. They’re only used to cover the front of the teeth, not the sides or back.

Though primarily cosmetic, they’re a long-term solution. Applying veneers requires grinding off some of the tooth’s surface enamel to ensure a solid bond. Therefore, while veneers can go a long way toward improving the appearance of teeth that are stained, cracked, chipped, or slightly misaligned, they also need regular maintenance and will often need to be replaced every decade or so. 

Crowns

Veneers can correct minor problems with your teeth, but when there are more significant structural issues, a crown may be required. For instance, if a tooth has been severely cracked or broken, there’s a significant amount of decay, or if a root canal was needed to remove an infection, a crown is often necessary to protect the remaining tooth and prevent the need to have it extracted later on. 

Unlike veneers, crowns cover the entire tooth. After grinding down the damaged part of your teeth, the dentist will take an impression and send it to a lab, where the crown will be made to match your other teeth. When it’s ready, it will be adjusted to fit your teeth and bite and then cemented into place. Crowns are generally permanent, although they can sometimes shift, requiring adjustment. 

If you want to transform your smile, turn to a trusted dentist for help. The professionals at Samuel Townsley Family & Cosmetic Dentistry have helped patients throughout Baldwin County, AL, take care of their teeth for more than 25 years, providing both general and cosmetic dentistry services to patients of all ages. They specialize in all types of solutions to beautify smiles, including veneers, crowns, bridges, and dentures. Learn more about their services online or call (251) 943-1521 to schedule a consultation.