If you’re looking to update your smile, you may have done your research on different cosmetic options for treatment. In your research, you’ve probably come across porcelain veneers and crowns as a way to improve the appearance of your smile.
Porcelain veneers and crowns are both dental-restoration options that can improve the appearance of your smile and the function of your teeth.
But while porcelain crowns cover the entire tooth, porcelain veneers cover only the front of the tooth to restore your smile, which may be more appealing to you if you just have cosmetic flaws versus tooth damage.
While the treatments are both used to enhance your smile’s appearance, how do you know which one is right for you?
In this blog, we look at the benefits of porcelain veneers for updating your smile’s appearance.
What Is the Difference Between Porcelain Veneers and Crowns?
Veneers are very thin (only about 1 mm in thickness) layers of porcelain or other materials that are attached to the front of your teeth through a process known as bonding.
Crowns are thicker than porcelain veneers — usually about 2 mm in thickness. They’re designed to cover the entire tooth. Crowns can be made entirely of porcelain, porcelain fused to metal (known as PFM), or an all-metal alloy.
Porcelain and porcelain-blend crowns and veneers are color-matched to your teeth to blend in with your smile.
Deciding between the two depends on a few factors, such as your teeth’s health, your goals for your smile, and how quickly you want to makeover your smile.
Some reasons people choose to update their smile include:
- discolored or stained teeth
- chipped, cracked or broken teeth
- decayed or weakened teeth
- crooked teeth
- worn-down tooth enamel
- small gaps between
- teeth
- slightly misshapen teeth
Why Choose Veneers?
As porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth, they’re not as invasive as crowns. Because they only cover the front of your teeth, your teeth stay intact except for a very thin layer of tooth enamel that must be removed in order for the veneers to be applied. More tooth intact is a good thing!
When veneers are applied, only about half a millimeter of your tooth enamel must be ground to roughen the surface; this allows the veneer to be successfully bonded to your teeth.
And the high-quality, newer veneers offered at Miami Designer Smiles do not require as much of the tooth surface to be removed to achieve your new smile.
What Is the Process for Porcelain Veneers?
During the veneer process, we take a digital impression of your teeth after they have been prepped for the veneer. Then, the images are used to create your final product.
Based on how much of your tooth enamel was removed, you may require a temporary veneer to be placed on your tooth until the new one is ready to be applied.
When ready, your new veneer will replace the temporary one and be bonded to the tooth using a special adhesive, which is hardened under an ultraviolet lamp.
If you are seeking to restore your smile for cosmetic purposes, veneers are a great idea and probably your best option. Not only can you update your smile and keep most of your tooth intact, but veneers can also be done relatively quickly, which should make you smile!
The Benefits of Porcelain Veneers
Realistic appearance. One of the best parts of porcelain veneers is that they are beautiful and natural looking. Because porcelain is very similar to the appearance of tooth enamel, these veneers look realistic — just like your natural teeth.
Stain-resistant. Porcelain is very similar to glass; its surface is extremely smooth and resistant to permanent stains. So you can enjoy your favorite foods and beverages and not worry about staining.
Durability. Veneers are long lasting and can last as many as 15 years with proper care.
Versatility. Your dental veneers can be matched to your smile to blend in or be designed to make dark or stained teeth appear whiter.
Easy to fit. Compared to dental crowns or other restorations, veneers do not require extensive shaping before application, as we mentioned above — you get to keep more of your natural tooth enamel!
Improved appearance. By far, the most significant benefit of veneers is that they can help correct issues such as crooked or discolored teeth or teeth that have small gaps or are misshapen.
Improved confidence. When the smile is improved, many people also find their confidence also improves, giving them a new lease on life!
Who Is a Good Candidate for Porcelain Veneers?
Anyone who wants to improve their smile is a good candidate; however, if you have unhealthy teeth (decay or weakened teeth), worn-down enamel, or you grind or clench your teeth, you may require other interventions and restorations. Call our office today to schedule an appointment for a consultation. We’d love to hear from you!