Diagram showing a dental crown covering a natural tooth

Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Is the Better Option for You?

June 13, 2024
|
Woman showing confident smile after cosmetic dental treatment

Dental crowns vs. veneers in Camas, WA, serve unique purposes, especially when looking beyond simple cosmetic dentistry. For example, both can enhance smile aesthetics, but crowns restore at-risk teeth and play essential roles in tooth replacement.

Let’s explore what dental crowns and veneers are and how to choose the best option for your needs and goals.

What Are Dental Crowns in Camas, WA?

A dental crown is a custom tooth cover that fits over a treated tooth or dental implant post. Your Camas dentist uses dental crowns in various ways to restore both function and aesthetics.

Crowns to Support a Weak Tooth

A tooth treated for a root canal infection typically requires crowning to restore strength and prevent loss. We may also use crowns to protect fractured or severely decayed teeth from loss or extraction.

To Support Tooth Replacement

We use dental crowns to connect restorative bridge teeth to healthy teeth, giving you back your smile and ability to chew and smile.

To Conceal Tooth Flaws

Crowns and veneers work similarly to hide chips, cracks, unusual spacing, and short teeth. However, a dental veneer may conceal more cosmetic flaws, including slightly crooked teeth and gummy smiles.

What Is a Dental Veneer

A porcelain dental veneer is a popular cosmetic restoration. It is a thin but durable shell cemented to the front portion of your tooth to mask imperfections. You can treat as many teeth as you’d like with veneers.

Issues that veneers can conceal include:

  • Chips and cracks
  • Slightly crooked teeth
  • Short and worn teeth
  • Gummy smiles
  • Unusually shaped teeth
  • Small gaps between teeth

Choosing the Best Restoration for Your NeedsVeneer diagram in Camas, WA

We encourage patients to choose the restoration that best fits their needs and smile goals. For example, an at-risk tooth will do better with a dental crown. However, veneers or BOTOX® are the only meaningful options for gummy smiles.

Are You Looking for a Cosmetic Dentist in Camas, WA?

Whether you’re considering restorative or cosmetic dentistry in Camas, our team can help. Contact a dental team member today at (360) 828-5502 to schedule your consultation.