Comparing Characteristics of Dental Crowns and Porcelain Veneers

Here are characteristics associated with both porcelain veneers and dental crowns that, in general, make one or the other more suitable for certain situations. Here are some of the factors Sagianw dentist Dr. Bannan takes into consideration when determining which type of dental restoration would be the more ideal choice for you.

Dental Crowns:

• Can be used to produce significant color and shape changes for a tooth. 
• Are often used to rebuild teeth that are badly broken or decayed. 
• Are very strong. Dental crowns are a good choice in those situations where the tooth is subject to significant chewing and biting forces (occlusal forces) or else tooth clenching and grinding (bruxism). 
• Require a significant amount of tooth reduction when made. 
• Once a crown has been made for a tooth the tooth will always require a dental crown.

Porcelain Veneers:

• Can be used to produce significant color and minor shape changes for a tooth. 
• Are placed on teeth whose underlying tooth structure is generally healthy and intact. 
• Are strong but brittle. Porcelain veneers typically do best in those situations where the occlusal forces they are subject to are somewhat passive. 
• Typically require much less tooth reduction than dental crowns. 
• For all practical purposes, once a porcelain veneer has been made for a tooth the tooth will always require a veneering of some type, although this could be another porcelain veneer, possibly another form of tooth veneering, or else the tooth could be further reduced and a dental crown placed.