Understanding Porcelain Veneers & Dental Crowns

Two common dental services that we offer in our Lexington, KY dentist office are porcelain veneers and dental crowns. These two dental solutions may seem similar but they actually serve different purposes within your smile. Learn more about porcelain veneers and dental crowns below.

porcelain veneers or dental crowns

What are porcelain veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-designed shells that fit over the front-facing portion of your tooth. They address cosmetic concerns associated with minor smile blemishes like chips or bleach-resistant stains. Because porcelain veneers are extremely thin, they do not require much enamel removal to make space for them within your smile. Patients often choose porcelain veneers to alter the appearance of their smiles and make their smiles more uniform.

What are dental crowns?

Dental crowns are custom-designed caps created to replace the entire exterior of your tooth. They are used to restore the functionality of your smile following extensive dental damages like broken teeth. To place a dental crown, your dentist will need to shave down the damaged tooth to its foundational core that will support the dental crown. This procedure requires more enamel removal than porcelain veneers. However, patients enjoy the benefits of dental crowns when it comes to restorative dentistry solutions because it allows them to essentially replace a damaged tooth without needing a tooth extraction.

Will the final result look natural?

Whether you choose dental crowns or porcelain veneers as your treatment plan, you can look forward to a beautiful finished product. Porcelain veneers address small cosmetic concerns to make a big impact on the overall uniformity of your smile. Dental crowns replace damaged teeth and leave them looking as good as new. No matter which option you choose, your end result will be natural-looking and blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.

Should I Get A Dental Crown Instead of A Veneer?

It really depends on the needs of your smile. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment, whereas dental crowns are a restorative dental treatment. You may not need an entire dental crown for minor issues. Your dentist will recommend the best option after a consultation. We recommend scheduling an appointment to meet with our dentist directly and discuss the unique needs of your smile.

To schedule a risk-free consultation, give us a call at 859-554-1586 or request an appointment online today.