DENTAL CROWNS VS. VENEERS

Each procedure serves different purposes, and each one changes the appearance of your existing teeth. Structurally, veneers cover the front tooth surface while leaving the rest of the original tooth intact..

A crown can also change the way teeth look. The main difference is that crowns are used when there is significant damage to the tooth, such as wear, cracks or loss of enamel.

In short, crowns serve to restore function and cosmetics, while veneers are used solely for cosmetic reasons. they are both made out of the same attractive, durable porcelain material. 

.In many cases, some people may need both veneers and crowns to restore their smile. This can be determined during the initial complimentary cosmetic consultation.

Uses for porcelain veneers

Porcelain veneers are strictly cosmetic in nature. We can use cosmetic dental veneers to cover stains, mildly chipped teeth, slight gaps in your front teeth, and more. 

Dental veneers only cover the front surface of your teeth. Usually, they’re installed in sets of 4 to 10, depending on how wide your smile is and what you are wanting to accomplish.

When you don’t need a crown but you want to change how your tooth structure looks, porcelain veneers or dental bonding are your best choice. You can select exactly how you want them to look, down to the shade, shape, and size. 



Keep in mind dental veneers are not covered by insurance.

Procedure for Veneers & Crowns



The treatment process for veneers and crowns is almost identical.

Usually, the crowns and veneers process is spaced over two visits. We will need to numb and prep your original tooth to make room for the restoration.

Since a crown covers your whole tooth, a small amount of tooth enamel needs to be reduced around the entire tooth.  Most porcelain veneers require minimal enamel reduction on the front of the tooth or no prep in certain cases.

After your teeth are prepped, a scan is taken and your veneers are designed and fabricated in our state-of-the-art in-house dental laboratory.

You will go home with a set of temporary veneers or crowns, which will be a very close replica of your final veneers. This allows you to "test drive" and give feedback to Drs. Kittell and Sanatarelli about shape, color and function. 

1-3 weeks later, you’ll come back to the office to have your dental crowns or veneers bonded in place.