Dentistry allows for the restoration and improvement of the aesthetics of a smile through various methods. Doctors can use veneers or install crowns. Specialists at the AESTHETE dental clinic use both options. Before installation, they will explain the differences between these methods, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and help you make a choice.
What are veneers and crowns
Both are types of dental prostheses, but their applications are different.
Veneers are thin plates made of composite material or ceramics, which are placed on the front surface of the tooth. They are installed on at least six front teeth simultaneously. The classic installation technology involves grinding, causing pain, discomfort, and worsening the condition of the tooth. However, the AESTHETE dental center uses technology that provides the desired result without grinding.
Veneers are used to hide minor aesthetic defects: darkened enamel, cracks, chips on its surface, wide gaps between teeth. They can mask the incorrect shape of incisors or canines, hide their curvature. But only if there is no serious bite pathology.
A crown is a cap that is placed on a pre-ground tooth or on an implant embedded in the jawbone. It can be made of metal, metal-ceramics, or zirconium dioxide. The choice of material largely determines its lifespan.
Crowns are needed to restore the functionality of teeth. Aesthetics, in this case, are secondary, although they receive considerable attention.
How veneers differ from crowns
These types of dental prostheses differ in purpose, installation method, and lifespan. If you do not know which solution is right for you, consult a doctor. A specialist at our clinic will conduct an examination, if necessary, appoint additional diagnostics, and help you choose an option that meets your needs.
Strength and durability
The lifespan and ability to withstand loads depend on the material from which the crowns or veneers are made. But even the most durable ceramic plates lose to zirconium dioxide caps, which can withstand chewing loads and last up to 20 years or more.
High aesthetics and naturalness
Budget metal crowns do not look very attractive and draw unnecessary attention. But ceramic veneers and crowns made of metal-ceramics and zirconium dioxide have roughly the same aesthetic characteristics. They convincingly mimic natural tooth enamel, and you can choose the shade you like best. Any of the options is suitable for creating a "Hollywood smile."
Digital manufacturing technologies
Budget composite veneers can be created directly on the patient's teeth. The doctor uses the same material used for fillings (it quickly hardens under the influence of an ultraviolet lamp) and applies it layer by layer.
In contrast, ceramic veneers and premium-class crowns are made using digital technologies based on molds taken from the patient's teeth. This allows them to be fitted so that the doctor can quickly install them and the patient can comfortably use them.
Fast and comfortable solution
The installation speed depends on the individual characteristics of the patient. Veneers are usually installed faster, especially if they are budget composite solutions. Installing crowns will take longer if they are placed on implants: first, the artificial roots must be embedded and ensured that they have taken root well.
In which cases is it better to install veneers
This solution is for patients with unattractive teeth: crooked, darkened, or with cracked enamel. It can also hide overly wide gaps between teeth. Composite or ceramic plates are installed when there are no obvious defects, but there is a desire to achieve a dazzling "Hollywood smile." This is especially important for those who perform in front of an audience or frequently interact with people: lecturers, artists, politicians, business people.
Advantages and disadvantages
The advantages of veneers are:
- Aesthetics: the plates convincingly mimic natural tooth enamel, reflect light, do not fade, and do not absorb coloring pigments from food and drinks;
- Minimal preparation or the possibility of avoiding it altogether: at the AESTHETE dental clinic, veneers are installed without grinding;
- Quick results: even with ceramic options, manufacturing and installation take no more than 3 weeks;
Easy care: just follow daily oral hygiene.
- Disadvantages:
- They are only installed on the front teeth;
- Suitable only for correcting cosmetic defects;
- They cannot be repaired if broken, only replaced.
When it is better to install crowns
This option is chosen if the teeth are severely damaged or completely missing. It allows for the restoration of the functionality of the dental arch.
Advantages and disadvantages
Crowns:
- Are universal, suitable for restoring any teeth;
- Prevent the displacement of neighboring teeth;
Restore the functionality of the dental arch, the aesthetics of the smile, and ensure even distribution of chewing load.
They can be used even with complete edentulism, that is, in the absence of teeth. In this case, implants need to be installed first.
The variety of materials allows for choosing an option that matches financial capabilities. There are budget solutions – metal crowns, and premium models made of metal-ceramics and zirconium dioxide.
- Disadvantages:
- Preliminary grinding is required, which is likely to damage healthy tissues;
- If preliminary implantation is needed, the installation process can take up to 6 months, and temporary crowns will need to be worn.
What is better to install on front teeth, veneers or crowns?
The choice between restoration methods depends on the goals set by the patient.
If a cosmetic effect is needed, the patient does not like the shade of the enamel, the shape of the teeth, but a significant part of the dental tissues is preserved, veneers can be preferred. It is better to choose ceramic plates – they have a longer lifespan, are stronger than composite ones, and do not stain under the influence of pigments contained in food and drinks.
If it is necessary to restore the functionality of one or more teeth damaged due to injury or severe caries, it is better to prefer crowns. If the restoration of chewing teeth is required, and also in the case of complete edentulism, there is no alternative – only crowns. Aesthetic characteristics should also be considered. Materials that combine strength, durability, reliability with good aesthetics are metal-ceramics and zirconium dioxide.
The final decision is always up to the doctor. Only a dentist can assess the condition of the oral cavity, understand the extent of the problem, and develop a restoration plan.
The AESTHETE dental clinic is located in Dubai (UAE), Bluewaters Island. We provide services for the installation of veneers and crowns. Doctors will help choose the right solution, and technicians in the laboratory will create prostheses based on individual molds that look realistic and serve the owner for a long time. The high qualifications of specialists, solid practical experience, and the use of advanced techniques allow for solving complex problems, restoring the functionality of teeth, and the aesthetics of a smile.
We invite you to make an appointment. The administrator will answer questions and help choose a time for a visit to the doctor.
Questions and Answers
How long do crowns and veneers last?
The lifespan is influenced by the material from which the prostheses are made, the quality of installation, and proper care. Composite veneers last about 5 years, ceramic ones up to 20 years. A crown made of metal-ceramics does not need to be replaced for 15 years. If it is made of zirconium dioxide, this period is 20 years or more.
Do veneers damage teeth more than crowns?
Damage occurs because the classic installation technology requires grinding. Teeth are ground to a lesser extent for veneers than for crowns. However, at the AESTHETE clinic, doctors use a unique technology that allows veneers to be installed without grinding – no pain, no discomfort, no need to damage tooth enamel.
Can veneers be installed on crowns?
No, these are two independent types of prosthetics, and combining them makes no sense. Patients sometimes inquire about this possibility because they are not satisfied with the appearance of the crowns: they have become worn out or do not look as good as before. In such cases, it is better to correct or completely replace them. It is not possible to cover them with ceramic plates.
