Spanish 
English Life can seem like a string of choices. Think about how often you consider this versus that: coffee vs. tea, stairs vs. elevator, window seat vs. aisle. Some decisions are simple and lighthearted, while others, like choosing the right dental solution, require more thought. That’s certainly true when considering veneers vs. crowns. With an impactful dental choice like this, you have to ask yourself, “What’s the best solution for me?” The answer depends on your needs, goals, and desired outcome. Veneers and crowns are both excellent options that can contribute to a nicer smile, but which one is best for you? The easiest way to choose is by first understanding what these two options do and what dental concerns you want to address.
¿Qué es una corona dental?
A dental crown is a “cap” that restores the function and strength of a damaged, decayed, or weakened tooth. It provides reinforcement by covering the tooth completely, helping prevent additional damage and reducing the risk of tooth loss.
At other practices, the dental crown process can take two visits, but at the Centre for Smile Designs, it takes just one, thanks to our advanced technology. Dr. John Hopkins begins with an initial examination, assessing the damage to the impacted tooth. If Dr. Hopkins believes a dental crown is the right choice, he will start the procedure. The first step is to numb the tooth and reshape it to make space for the crown. Typically, the next step would be to take impressions of the prepared teeth and send them to the dental lab for fabrication. However, with our Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics (CEREC) machine, we can make your crown the same day!
Instead of taking goopy impressions, Dr. Hopkins takes a Escaneado digital 3D of your teeth. He then designs your crown using the CEREC software. Once the design is perfect for your smile, Dr. Hopkins sends the specifications of your crown to the in-house milling unit to fabricate your one-of-a-kind, custom crown. The whole process takes one visit, allowing you to leave our office with a new crown the same day!
While tooth-colored ceramic crowns protect damaged teeth, they also improve the tooth’s appearance. If you have a cracked or worn tooth, a crown can restore its look and function, helping you feel more confident when you smile.
¿Qué son las carillas de porcelana?
While dental crowns focus on restoring damaged teeth, carillas de porcelana are designed primarily for cosmetic enhancement. They’re one of the most popular ways to improve your smile’s appearance and are commonly used in complete cambios de sonrisa.
Like crowns, they are custom-made to fit your teeth perfectly. But unlike crowns, veneers cover just the front surface of your teeth to hide cosmetic imperfections. Often, patients choose them to conceal the following issues:
- Uneven, irregular, or misshapen teeth
We place porcelain veneers on the front surface of teeth. - Dientes manchados o descoloridos
- Chipped teeth
- Gaps between teeth
- Dientes cortos
Because the goal is to perfect your smile’s look, porcelain veneers have a very natural appearance. They closely resemble tooth enamel, giving them a vibrant, lifelike look. Porcelain reflects light similarly to real teeth, making them appear vibrant and translucent.
To improve your smile with veneers, you’ll first meet with Dr. Hopkins for a thorough assessment. After performing an exam and discussing your goals, he’ll help you decide if veneers are right for you. Veneers are typically an excellent option for anyone looking to conceal flaws across several teeth within the smile line.
For the procedure, Dr. Hopkins removes a small amount of enamel from your teeth. While both veneers and crowns require Dr. Hopkins to adjust your enamel, he removes less for veneers since they sit on the front surface. If necessary, he can administer a local anesthetic to minimize discomfort. Then, he will take impressions of your mouth and send them to the dental lab, where skilled technicians will make your veneers.
Once the final product arrives, you will return for your second visit so he can place the veneers. At this appointment, Dr. Hopkins cements the veneers to your teeth, checks your bite, and makes final adjustments. Shortly after, you’ll be ready to show off your new smile to the world!
Veneers vs. Crowns: Find Out Which Is Right for You!
Just like choosing between coffee vs. tea, deciding between veneers vs. crowns ultimately comes down to personal preference, but with higher stakes for your smile and dental health. As you weigh your options, consider what matters most: Are you aiming to repair a damaged tooth or enhance your overall appearance? Do you need structural support or cosmetic refinement? Understanding the purpose and benefits of each option is key, but you don’t have to decide alone. Dr. Hopkins and the team at the Centre for Smile Designs are here to help you. Book a consultation today to explore the best solution for your unique needs!
