When it comes to improving your smile or repairing a broken tooth, two of the most popular options are veneers and crowns.
Many patients who are interested in dental crowns in Coral Gables want to know what the differences are and which treatment may be best for them.
Both have their place in dentistry, but they are meant for different purposes.
What Are Porcelain Veneers?
If you find yourself asking what porcelain veneers are, they are thin pieces of ceramic or porcelain that cover only the front of your teeth. Veneers are used for cosmetic reasons rather than to restore the structural integrity of the tooth.
They are used to:
- Fix the colour of stained teeth
- Close small gaps between teeth
- Correct slightly crooked or uneven teeth
- Fix chipped or worn enamel
Veneers are only placed on the front of your teeth and require very little tooth reshaping but are bonded to the surface of your tooth; therefore, veneers can be a very conservative way to enhance your smile.
What Are Dental Crowns?
If you’ve been wondering what dental crowns are, they are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire tooth above the gumline. Crowns will fully protect and strengthen the tooth, unlike a veneer, which only covers the front of the tooth.
When Are Crowns Necessary?
Crowns are often recommended when:
- A tooth has a crack/break/fracture.
- A tooth has lost its strength from a large filling.
- The tooth has had root canal therapy and a compromised structure.
- You want to improve aesthetic appearance along with structural support.
By covering the whole tooth, crowns restore both function and beauty.
How Do Porcelain Veneers Enhance Smiles?
Patients choose porcelain veneers in Coral Gables because they want a brighter and more uniform smile as opposed to their current form of teeth. Most local dentists can also fabricate custom veneers and colour them to match your existing teeth.
Features of porcelain veneers:
- They look natural, as they are coloured to an existing tooth when fabricated.
- They are a fast cosmetic result with as few as two visits.
- They are durable when maintained, usually lasting 10-15 years.
- There is less tooth reduction compared to a crown.
A good option when you want to make some cosmetic improvements and don’t want a longer restorative procedure.
How Can A Dentist Help You Choose?
A skilled dentist in Coral Gables will be able to help you analyze your teeth and provide their professional opinion on veneers vs. crowns. The decision is often a balance of aesthetics vs. functionality and restoration, and confidence.
If your teeth are mostly healthy with aesthetic defects, a dentist will recommend veneers. If the structure of your tooth is damaged, the dentist will discuss crowns.
Why Consult a Dentist Near You
Having a local dentist near you allows you to receive good care and support care as required afterward.
No matter what kind of restorations you have, being cared for in a local practice means that attending your periodic check-up, follow-up, or even adjusting your local practice will not be challenging.
Local care will help you:
- Maintain the health of your teeth long-term.
- Rectify issues that may arise with your veneers or crowns in a timely manner.
- Receive your periodic cleanings and professional cleanings to help ensure the longevity of your restorations.
Visiting a quality local dentist can bring peace of mind and good support in many convenient ways.
Differences: Veneers vs. Crowns
Some general differences to think about are:
| Feature | Veneers | Crowns |
| Coverage | Front surface only | Entire tooth |
| Purpose | Cosmetic improvement | Strength and restoration |
| Tooth Prep | Minimal | Moderate to significant |
| Durability | 10–15 years | 10–15 years or more |
| Best For | Stains, chips, and minor gaps | Cracks, decay, weakened teeth |
Veneers are purely cosmetic. Crowns restore function as well as appearance.
Bottom Line on Crowns & Veneers
Both crowns and veneers are options for significant improvements related to your smile or teeth, but working with us will determine which is the most appropriate for your needs.
Our team at Gables Sedation & Family Dentistry works with the patient to mitigate any problems or find the best solutions to help achieve a more successful outcome and longevity.
If you are ready to find a solution, we recommend you book an appointment to let us discuss your options with you to see if we can help you achieve even greater.
