How Do I Know if I Need Dental Crowns or Veneers?

February 6, 2023
Illustration of Veneers in Fort Pierce

Do you need dental crowns or veneers in Fort Pierce? Both crowns and veneers help improve your smile by enhancing the overall shape, color, and structure of your teeth, but they differ in many aspects. A veneer is used to cover only the front surface of your tooth. Meanwhile, a crown encases the entire visible part of the tooth. After examining your teeth, we can determine which option is most suitable for you.

Illustration of Veneers in Fort Pierce

Do You Need Crowns or Veneers?

Veneers

Cosmetic dentists recommend veneers if your problem areas involve stubborn tooth stains that do not improve even after several teeth whitening procedures, narrow tooth gaps, and chips and cracks.  

The preparation is less invasive than crowns because only half a millimeter of your enamel is shaved down, allowing the veneer to bond snugly to your tooth. However, you can only qualify if your tooth has enough enamel for the veneer to stick to. 

Crowns 

A dental crown is a hollow cap placed over an entire tooth. At least two millimeters of your tooth’s enamel is filed down to receive the crown, which means you need to have about a quarter of your tooth intact to support it. If you opt for a crown, expect more of your tooth’s structure to be removed.

What Procedure Is Right for You?

Ultimately, the procedure will be based on the condition of your teeth. If you’ve just had a root canal therapy or your tooth has a large filling or is severely cracked, your best option is to get a dental crown. But veneers are the way to go if your primary purpose is to improve your smile.

dentist holding Veneers in Fort Pierce

Do You Need Veneers in Fort Pierce?

Choosing between veneers and crowns can be overwhelming, especially if you’re unsure what you need. We recommend you talk to our dentist to get in-depth information about each treatment. At Ricard Family Dentistry, we offer affordable restorative and cosmetic dental treatments tailored to your needs, budget, and lifestyle. Contact us for a consultation.