Veneers vs Cosmetic Crowns: What’s the Difference?

So you want to improve the appearance of your teeth, but don’t know which procedure will give you the results you want. With many options now available, it can be difficult for people to understand what it will take for them to get that Hollywood smile they’ve always wanted.

Two popular procedures many patients ask about are veneers and cosmetic crowns. But these procedures are vastly different from each other and are not appropriate for everyone.

Here’s everything you need to know about veneers and cosmetic crowns!

In This Article:

  1. What Are Veneers?
  2. What Are Cosmetic Crowns?
  3. Did Your Dentist Shave Your Teeth Down Unnecessarily?
  4. Which One’s for You?
  5. How Mint Dental Can Help

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are a type of dental prosthetic designed to improve the look of your teeth. They are extremely thin and will go over the front surface of the natural teeth, making them ideal for addressing badly stained or discolored teeth, gaps, cracks, and other mild cosmetic issues.

To get veneers, the dentist usually has to shave the front layer of the tooth enamel to create a rough texture. This allows the veneers to bond with your teeth and stay in place. However, some veneers are so thin that they require virtually no prep at all!

While your permanent veneers are being made in the lab, which usually takes 1-2 weeks. You should also consider getting temporary veneers as they can provide protection to the prepared teeth and allow them to maintain their daily routine while waiting for your permanent veneers.

What Are Cosmetic Crowns?

Dental crowns (sometimes referred to as cosmetic crowns) are another type of prosthetic. But unlike veneers, crowns are made for just one tooth, and they will cover the natural tooth in its entirety.

Crowns are used for dental reconstructions in case the natural tooth is badly damaged, either because of a fracture, crack, or even a root canal. It’s used in order to avoid extracting the tooth.

To get a crown, the natural tooth is shaved down, and the dental crown is cemented on top, permanently.

Read about crowns on front teeth here.

Did Your Dentist Shave Your Teeth Down Unnecessarily?

In case you are looking for a dentist in Minnesota that can fix your smile after shaving your teeth down unnecessarily, you came to the right place. Dr. Marwa is an expert in cosmetic and restorative dentistry. Her dentistry in Edina is accepting new patients, with and without insurance. Get in touch with her team here.

Which One’s for You?

As you can see, veneers, cosmetic crowns, and teeth bonding are used for completely different purposes, although they can both help improve the appearance of your smile.

As a result, it’s important to consider not only your aesthetic goals but also the health of your teeth when deciding between the procedures.

For example, if you generally have healthy teeth, the dentist will never recommend getting a cosmetic crown to improve your smile. This would mean unnecessarily shaving healthy tooth enamel, which is an extreme and irreversible move. You’d most likely be recommended veneers instead.

As a result, the only way to know for sure which procedure you need is to discuss it with a specialist. They will help you make the best decision that will both get you the smile you want, and protect your dental health.

How Mint Dental Can Help

If you are interested in cosmetic dental services in Edina, Dr. Marwa is here to help you change your smile’s look! 

During your appointment, Dr. Marwa will inspect your current oral health and present you with your cosmetic options to achieve your desired look.

Ready to get started? Then book an appointment at Mint Dental online!