The Difference Between Dental Crowns & Porcelain Veneers

Restorative Dentist in Medford NJOften, patients visit our office looking for ways to fix a chipped or cracked tooth. As your trusted restorative dentist in Medford, NJ, we are happy to consult with you on how to restore your smile back to being as good as new. Depending on the severity of the chip or crack, Dr. Parnaik may recommend a porcelain veneer or a dental crown. Here are some key differences between these two options:

Porcelain veneers cover the front-facing portion of your tooth.

Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-like shells that cover the front and sides of the tooth. They are used to strengthen the underlying structure, prevent additional damage, and improve the overall appearance of an affected tooth. Not only used to conceal minor chips and cracks, but porcelain veneers can also be utilized to achieve cosmetic goals for the smile as well. Blemishes like bleach-resistant stains or gaps can be concealed using porcelain veneers. Porcelain veneers are highly stain-resistant, durable, long-lasting and very natural-looking. Patients enjoy porcelain veneers not only because they help restore their smiles but also because they only require a small amount of enamel to be removed from the affected tooth to make space for the veneer.

Dental crowns replace the entire exterior of your tooth.

Unlike porcelain veneers which only cover the front-facing portion of your tooth, the dental crown will replace the entire exterior. To support the dental crown, your affected tooth will be shaved down into a foundational core that the crown will fit securely over. Dental crowns are designed custom to your mouth so that they will blend in seamlessly with your smile. Because this procedure involves more enamel removal than a porcelain veneer, Dr. Parnaik usually only recommends this when a chip or crack is more substantial. Dental crowns may also be suggested if a tooth is affected by a large tooth cavity or after a root canal procedure. Patients enjoy dental crowns because they prevent them from sustaining additional dental damage and provides support to the teeth overall.

Schedule An Appointment

If your tooth is cracked or chipped, please schedule an appointment with our compassionate team. We are here to help you restore the look, feel, and function of your smile. It’s important to understand that most dental damage only gets worse over time if left untreated. Dental Creations is your local dental home in Medford, NJ for the maintenance of your long term dental health. Dr. Parnaik leads a team that is committed to providing the highest standard of personalized dental care to patients of all ages.  We look forward to seeing you at your next appointment.