At Valley Dental Health, we emphasize patient education and look forward to answering any questions you have about your oral health. We provide an extensive menu of dentistry services to meet the needs of our patients.
Two dental services that we provide in our Hunt Valley dental practice are porcelain veneers and dental crowns. While these two services may seem similar, they actually serve different purposes for your smile. Learn more about the differences between porcelain veneers and dental crowns below.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers offer one of the most dramatic ways to improve your smile without major dental work. These custom-made ceramic shells cover just the front of your teeth to instantly correct cosmetic concerns. Whether you’re dealing with stubborn stains that won’t respond to whitening, small chips from years of wear, or slightly uneven teeth, veneers can create the picture-perfect smile.
The process begins with your dentist helping you decide how many veneers will give you your ideal results. Many patients choose to enhance just the six to eight teeth that show most when they smile. Others choose a more comprehensive transformation.
What makes veneers so special is how they work with your natural teeth. Only a tiny amount of enamel needs to be removed to ensure a perfect fit. This preserves most of your healthy tooth structure underneath.
Unlike some dental procedures that need many visits, you’ll typically see your complete smile transformation in just two or three appointments. First, we’ll prepare your teeth and take precise impressions. Then, our dental lab crafts your veneers to match both the shape and shade you desire. At your final visit, we’ll securely bond them in place.
With proper care, porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years or longer. They’re one of the most durable cosmetic solutions available. They resist stains better than natural tooth enamel and function just like regular teeth too. If you’ve been dreaming of a red-carpet worthy smile but don’t want extensive dental work, porcelain veneers are for you. Schedule a consultation to see how we can design your ideal smile.
Dental Crowns
When a tooth is badly damaged or decayed, a dental crown acts like a protective helmet that completely covers and strengthens it. Unlike veneers that just cover the front surface, crowns encase the entire visible portion of your tooth above the gum line. This makes them the perfect solution for teeth that have large fillings, cracks, or severe decay that’s too extensive for a simple filling.
Getting a crown does require some preparation of your natural tooth. Your dentist will gently reshape the tooth to create the ideal foundation for the crown to fit securely. While this means removing some enamel, it’s done carefully to preserve as much healthy tooth structure as possible.
The great benefit is that you get to keep your natural tooth root. This helps maintain your jawbone health and prevents the need for more complex procedures like implants or bridges.
What makes crowns special is how they completely restore both function and your look. After your crown is placed, you’ll be able to chew, speak, and smile with confidence just like you would with a real tooth. Modern porcelain crowns match your other teeth so perfectly that no one will be able to tell the difference.
The crown process typically takes two visits. At your first appointment, we’ll prepare your tooth and take precise digital impressions. You’ll leave with a temporary crown while our lab crafts your custom permanent one. At your second visit, we’ll securely bond your new crown in place.
Crowns are one of dentistry’s most reliable solutions for saving damaged teeth. If you need a tooth extracted, a crown could be the solution that lets you keep your natural tooth while restoring its full function. Ask us how a dental crown could help protect your smile for years to come.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Should I Choose?
While both can enhance the appearance and function of your teeth, they serve different purposes. Here’s how to decide which one is best for your needs:
When to Choose Veneers
Veneers are ideal for fixing cosmetic issues like:
- Stains that don’t go away with whitening
- Small chips or cracks
- Gaps between teeth
- Slightly crooked or uneven teeth
Veneers only cover the front of your teeth, so they’re less invasive than crowns. They need minimal enamel removal, meaning more of your natural tooth stays intact. Veneers could be the perfect solution if your teeth are generally healthy but you want a more polished look.
When to Choose Crowns
- Crowns are the better option if your tooth has:
- Large fillings or severe decay
- A crack or fracture that weakens the tooth
- Been treated with a root canal
- Significant wear or damage
Since crowns cover the entire tooth, they provide more strength and protection. If a tooth is too damaged for a filling but doesn’t need to be pulled, a crown can save it while restoring its shape and function.
Which One Is Right for You?
The best way to decide is to visit your dentist for an exam. They’ll check your tooth structure, discuss your goals, and recommend the best option for your smile.
The key differences are:
- Coverage: Veneers only cover the front of teeth; crowns encase the whole tooth.
- Tooth Preparation: Veneers require less enamel removal than crowns.
- Durability: Crowns are stronger and better for damaged teeth, while veneers focus on appearance.
- Longevity: Both can last 10-15+ years with proper care.
For a Hollywood smile makeover, veneers might be the way to go. But a crown will give you strength and protection by repairing a damaged tooth. Either way, both treatments can give you a confident and natural smile.
Schedule An Appointment
Still unsure? Schedule a consultation at Valley Dental Health. We’ll help you choose the best option for your teeth. Schedule an appointment online, or call 443-733-6613. We look forward to seeing you soon.