Dental veneers and dental crowns are thin and functional covers of cosmetic dentistry that are employed when changing the color, shape, and size of a tooth, and require minimal abrasion on the tooth surface.
Both treatments are applied with different requirements. While veneers are employed to correct more minor dental disorders, crowns are used to address relatively large dental problems. When crown treatment is applied, the teeth lose their prior functional properties because of the extensive trimmings on the tooth surface.
What is a Dental Veneer?
Dental veneer treatment, as the name suggests, is the restoration of the teeth with different materials in which teeth lose substance for various reasons or are made for aesthetic purposes. They are a cosmetic dental solution used to correct issues like discoloration, misalignment, or gaps between teeth.Dental veneers improve the appearance of teeth by covering their front surfaces with thin, tooth-colored shells. They are usually made with porcelain or resin composites that are permanently bonded to the teeth.
Types of Dental Veneers
- Empress Veneers (Emax Veneers): Emax veneers, which are porcelain reinforced with metal crystals, are in harmony with the teeth, require only 0.3-0.7 mm abrasion and have high resistance strength.
- Laminate (Lumina) Veneers: Aesthetically beautiful zirconia veneers can last longer than Emax and laminate veneers, but require more abrasion on the enamel (0.7-1 mm) and have high resistance strength.
- Zirconia Veneers: Aesthetically beautiful zirconia veneers can last longer than Emax and laminate veneers, but require more abrasion on the enamel (0.7-1 mm) and have high resistance strength.
What is a Dental Crown?
Dental crowns are specialised coverings that enclose the upper portion of the tooth. Typically composed of zirconium, metal, porcelain, or zirconium. These crowns serve the purpose of safeguarding and reinstating teeth that are compromised, decayed, fractured, or require aesthetic refinement.
Types of Dental Crowns
-
E-Max Crown: They are strong,
durable, and aesthetically pleasing. E-max crowns
are some of the most natural-looking and highly
customizable dental treatments, which means that
the patients can pick and choose the aspects they
dislike and have them remade to be fixed in the
way they like.
Furthermore, thanks to their natural look, they are practically impossible to tell apart from natural teeth.
- Porcelain Crown: PFM restorations used in restorative dentistry are preferred due to their long service life and more aesthetic appearance. Thanks to this method, which is applied together with both dental bridges and dental crowns, you can overcome many dental health problems, including rotten teeth.
-
Zirconia Crown: Zirconia crown is
a covering over process applied on teeth surfaces
using zirconium dioxide. It is mainly used to
support broken, cracked, weak, and badly shaped
teeth.
This method is also used to replace other dental crowns. In addition to dental treatment, it is also a preferred treatment type to have a better dental appearance and smile.
- Ceramic Crowns: They provide an aesthetically similar appearance to natural teeth. They are preferred for aesthetic concerns like porcelain crowns. It can usually be used on front and back teeth.
- Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns: Contains a porcelain veneer under the metal alloy, offering both aesthetic and durability features.
Veneers vs. Crowns: What is the Difference and Which One Is Right for You?
The type of treatment you want depends on factors such as the position of the tooth, cosmetic preferences and the level of durability required. The dentist will evaluate these factors and recommend the most suitable veneer or crown for the patient's specific needs.
| Features | Veneers | Crowns |
| Price | Veneers are usually more affordable. The price may vary depending on the type of material, the expertise of the dentist and the place of application. | Crowns usually cost more because they require more material and labor. The material used affects the price depending on the type of crown. |
| Material | Porcelain or composite materials are used. Porcelain veneers usually have a more aesthetic appearance. | Various materials can be used such as metal, ceramic, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM), zirconium. The choice of material is based on aesthetic preferences and tooth function. |
| Treatment Duration | Veneer application usually covers a shorter period of time depending on the condition of the tooth. It can be completed in a few days. | Crown application may take a longer period of time depending on the condition of the tooth and the type of material. It can usually take several weeks. |
| Appearance | Since they are thin layers, they have a more natural appearance. They are especially used for aesthetic correction of the front teeth. | Crowns provide a more comprehensive change as they completely cover the tooth. They are used for both aesthetic and functional improvements. |
| Thickness | It has minimal thickness on the front surface of the tooth and is usually applied as a thin layer. | Since they cover the tooth completely, they have a thicker structure. Depending on the condition of the tooth and the material applied, the thickness may vary. |
| Durability | Because they are thinner than crowns, they are generally less durable. They may be more sensitive to discoloration. | Generally more durable and can last longer in the mouth. They provide high durability when strong materials are used, especially when used on the back teeth. |
Are you suffering from dental problems, missing or damaged teeth? At our dental clinic Antalya in Turkey, our skilled dentists will determine the most suitable treatment options for you. Whether it is dental veneers and dental crowns or various other treatment alternatives, our specialized dentists can guide you through the process of fully restoring your teeth or giving them a natural look. We are happy to offer all the necessary dentistry services to help you achieve an aesthetically pleasing and healthy smile and boost your self-confidence.