If you have suffered a chipped tooth that you think makes your smile look unattractive, you have many options to restore it. Two highly aesthetic and long-lasting options are porcelain veneers and dental crowns. How do you decide between the two?

Understanding the Difference

Porcelain veneers are thin facades of advanced ceramic that are attached to the front of your teeth to give them a new visible surface and possibly a new biting surface.

Dental crowns on the other hand, fit completely over the tooth to give it an entirely new surface. They cover the tooth from below the gumline to the top.

When to Choose Porcelain Veneers

Porcelain veneers are a great option when the chip is relatively minor and it’s related to an isolated occurrence, such as a sporting or work accident. Ideally, you should also have relatively healthy teeth.

In this case, porcelain veneers are the less expensive option that is just as attractive (possibly even more so), and will give you long-lasting results.

When to Choose Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are better when your teeth have been more seriously damaged and need more support and protection. A dental crown can actually build up from a very small amount of tooth structure to give you a full tooth.

Dental crowns are also good if your teeth to be treated aren’t completely healthy. A tooth that has decay can fail behind a veneer, reducing the longevity of the tooth and the veneer. But a dental crown will cover and protect a decayed tooth, preserving it for long life.

Finally, you’ll want to go with a dental crown if your chipped tooth is due to habitual forces, such as bruxism or TMJ. Dental crowns can be made stronger and are more likely to hold up under the pressure, though it’s still best to get your bite adjusted to reduce the force on your restorations.

Talk to a Cosmetic Dentist

The best way to really find out what’s right for you is to talk to a cosmetic dentist about your tooth damage, cosmetic goals, and health status. You will better understand the issues that are crucial to getting the best restoration for you.

If you want to talk to a Philadelphia cosmetic dentist about your chipped tooth, please call (610) 272-0828 to schedule an appointment at Dental Excellence of Blue Bell today.