In restorative dentistry, veneers & crowns are two widely used solutions for addressing aesthetic and functional dental issues. According to the Australian Dental Association, approximately 50% of Australians choose dental crowns to restore damaged teeth; concomitantly, veneers have also become a preferred choice in recent years.
Given their growing popularity, this article aims to clarify both solutions’ technical aspects and clinical applications. It will help dentists better understand and advise patients on the differences between veneers & crowns.
Veneers are thin shells covering teeth’ front surfaces to improve appearance. They are commonly used for cases involving chipped, uneven, discolored teeth or minor gaps between teeth. Veneers offer a natural appearance thanks to their translucency and color, which closely resemble natural enamel.
Veneers & crowns have certain differences
Crowns, on the other hand, are dental restorations that completely cover the tooth’s structure, restoring damaged or compromised teeth. To place a crown, the dentist prepares the tooth before fitting the crown over it, recreating the tooth’s original shape and function.
Veneers & crowns are selected based on patient needs
Crowns are highly durable and capable of withstanding significant chewing forces, making them an optimal choice for both molars and anterior teeth.
Veneers focus primarily on aesthetics, so the primary materials used are porcelain and composite resin. Porcelain veneers are more popular due to their durability, superior ability to replicate natural tooth color, and resistance to staining than composite resin.
Veneers stand out with their high aesthetics.
Porcelain’s translucent properties allow light to pass through, giving veneers a natural, tooth-like appearance. Lithium disilicate (IPS E.max) is the most suitable and commonly used material for veneers due to its exceptional aesthetics and moderate durability.
On the other hand, crowns balance aesthetics with durability and are made from a wider range of materials, including Zirconia, PFM (Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal), PMMA, and Full-Cast Metal. Among these, Zirconia and PFM are the most commonly used due to their strength and high load-bearing capacity.
Crowns are made from a variety of materials.
Full-cast metal is stable but less aesthetically appealing. In addition, PMMA is a type of resin used for temporary restorations during the waiting period for permanent prosthetics due to its low aesthetics and limited strength.
Crown creation requires state-of-the-art technology and skilled craftsmanship.
Veneers & crowns have specific factors that need to be considered during fabrication.
The distinctive difference in the crafting techniques of veneers & crowns lies in the level of precision and aesthetic focus.
Veneers & crowns are meticulously crafted
Veneers typically take 3-5 days to complete in the lab after receiving the tooth impression. Because veneers only cover the front surface of teeth, the crafting process is simpler and doesn’t involve the full contouring of the tooth structure.
In contrast, crowns involve more complex steps, requiring careful consideration of bite alignment and durability for both molars and anterior teeth. Therefore, crowns usually take 5-7 days to finalize after receiving the impression from the dentist.
Many factors need to be considered when choosing veneers & crowns
Veneers & crowns are both ideal restorations for patients who prioritize aesthetics.
Veneers & crowns differ significantly in structure and crafting techniques, relying on the capability and expertise of dental labs.
Understanding these characteristics and technical requirements enables dentists to provide appropriate recommendations and select the best solution for each patient. It also optimizes cooperative relationships between dentists and laboratories.
At VTS, our skilled technicians ensure the delivery of high-quality restorations, including veneers & crowns. For more information, please contact our office.
