Thanks to modern technology in dentistry, you don’t always need to extract a tooth if it’s damaged. Whether you have a stained, cracked, chipped, or misshapen tooth, your dentist can help you restore the function and aesthetics of your tooth. Dental crowns and veneers are popular treatments to repair tooth damage and restore your smile.
While both treatments are effective, they are different and serve different purposes. Perhaps the main difference is that a dental veneer only covers the front of the tooth while a dental crown covers the entire tooth’s structure. Let’s learn more about these treatments to help you decide which one is right for you.
A veneer is a thin shell or coating placed on your tooth’s front to hide or repair the damage. A veneer is customized to blend perfectly with the rest of your existing teeth. Your veneer can contain composite resin or porcelain material based on your budget and needs. Porcelain veneers are stronger, durable, and more resistant to stains than composite veneers. Your dentist can recommend dental veneers to correct dental imperfections like:
Getting a dental veneer is a straightforward and less invasive procedure. Standard veneers only require two dental appointments. During the procedure, you’ll be numbed to prevent pain and anxiety. Next, the dentist will remove a tiny part of the tooth’s enamel to create enough room for the veneer to fit perfectly. Some veneers, like Lumineers, require very little or no tooth shaving.
Next, the dentist will make an impression on the prepared tooth and send them to a dental lab where they create a customized veneer. Most likely, the dentist will use a temporary veneer to protect the prepared tooth. When the permanent crown is ready, you’ll go in for the second appointment. The temporary veneer is replaced with the customized one. Contact our dentist for dental veneers in Stony Brook, NY.
A crown is a tooth-shaped dental device placed over a damaged tooth. Like a veneer, a crown blends with your natural teeth. A crown can contain gold, porcelain, composite resin, zirconia, and porcelain-fused metal. Your dentist can recommend a dental crown to:
Like a dental veneer, placing a crown requires about two dental appointments. The dentist will begin by numbing you to keep you relaxed and pain-free during the procedure. Next, they shave down the tooth. A crown typically needs more shaving than a dental veneer. The dentist may have to build up the tooth if there isn’t enough tooth structure to hold a crown adequately. If you have tooth decay, the dentist will remove the decay before placing the crown.
The dentist will take impressions of the shaved and send them to a dental lab to create the permanent crown. The dentist will use a temporary crown to cover the prepared tooth. Once the custom-made crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown and then place the permanent crown. Contact our dentist in Stony Brook, NY.
A dental crown is better if you have average to severe dental imperfections. Since a crown covers the entire tooth structure, it offers great strength, stability, and aesthetics. Alternatively, a dental veneer is a good option if your tooth only requires minor imperfections.
In most cases, a dental crown is used for restorative benefits, while a veneer is more of a cosmetic procedure. Fortunately, our dentist in Stony Brook, NY, can help you decide which treatment is best for you.
For more information about restorative and cosmetic treatments in Stony Brook, NY, contact Stony Brook Dental Group.
©2025 Stony Brook Dental Group | Privacy Policy | Notice of Nondiscrimination
