The two most common reasons adults lose teeth are tooth decay and periodontal disease. Medical experts also found that the lower number of teeth patients had, the higher the risk for further tooth loss.
Receiving adequate dental care following a damaged or missing tooth is critical to your oral health and helps prevent further injury and tooth loss. Crowns vs veneers are one debate amongst restorative dental services when comparing what procedure is most beneficial.
If you are unsure what the difference is between crowns, veneers, bridges, and implants, we have a complete guide for you. In our article, we will compare these top dental restoration procedures and help you determine which one could be ideal for you, so keep reading for more information!
What Is Dental Restoration?
One of the most common dental services is restoration, which includes simple services like fillings or more complex procedures such as an implant. Dentures are another dental restoration procedure ideal for multiple missing teeth or poor jaw bone health.
But if you have healthy bones and only need dental work for a small number of teeth, there are other restoration techniques that may be better suited for you.
Crowns vs Veneers
A dental crown is a simple and easy way to help restore the look and function of a damaged tooth. Dental crowns are superficial caps that protect your tooth after:
- Damage or breakage
- Decay
- Root canals
- Fillings
Some materials you can pick for dental crowns include stainless steel, resin, gold, or ceramic. Typically, there are two primary steps in securing a dental crown:
- Tooth impression and a temporary crown
- Final placementĀ
Dental care services may also include removing decay or reshaping the tooth. Veneers are another way to improve the look, color, or shape of your teeth.
Veneers are thin materials placed on the front of your teeth, usually composed of composite resin or porcelain. Porcelain is the gold-standard method since it is more durable than composite resin but is more challenging to fix and has higher costs.
Veneers require tooth resurfacing; although they last for years, you may need to pay for an entire replacement if it cracks. Unfortunately, veneers have a few more restrictions and are not ideal for dental patients who:
- Grind teeth
- Have current tooth decay
- Do not have enough tooth enamel
There are a few simple ways to decide which one you may want – crowns are used for more substantial dental work or if you need to support adjacent teeth. Veneers are ideal for minor chips, cracks, or discoloration.
Tooth Cap vs Crown
You may hear the term “tooth cap” in a dental office, but it is the same term used for a dental crown. Dental caps and crowns are the easiest (and most affordable) option for covering a damaged tooth or improving cosmetic appearance. They are also widely used with tooth bridges and implants.
Tooth Bridge vs Implant
Bridges are dental services that replace a missing tooth. You may have a tooth removed from:
- Decay
- Injury/trauma
- Overcrowding
Once a dentist removes a tooth, you have an increased risk of difficulty chewing or shifting teeth. To prevent these problems, a dentist places a bridge, which is a fake tooth supported by adjacent teeth.
The most popular method is attaching a bridge between two crowns, but your dentist can discuss which options are best in the long term for you.
On the other hand, an implant is an alternative to a tooth bridge. It has the same purpose: to replace a missing tooth.
The primary difference between a tooth bridge and an implant is the latter has artificial titanium roots. They are highly durable anchors used to support a bridge or other type of artificial tooth.
Dental implants help prevent bone loss, gum problems, and worsening misaligned teeth. Unfortunately, implants require extensive dental work and are usually more expensive.
Tooth Implant vs Veneer
Dental implants are more widely used for full dental restoration, while veneers are limited in their use and often utilized for cosmetic purposes. While implants also have cosmetic uses, a full dental implant can restore multiple missing teeth and are highly durable.
Other reasons a patient may want a tooth implant are:
- Resolving bite problems
- Improving speech
- Improving chewing
- Restoring facial tissues
If you want a quicker option to restore the appearance of your smile, veneers are excellent options. Veneers cover staining, chips, breaks, or tooth gaps.
They are more similar to crowns in that they closely mimic natural teeth’ appearance, making them an excellent option for cosmetic dental work. However, they do not completely replace an entire tooth. Another key difference is implants normally last a bit longer than veneers, with a lifespan upwards of 20 years, while veneers may only last half that time.
A few factors that affect dental implant longevity are the type of implant you choose and your dental care. For example, while endosteal implants are the most popular, they could fail more quickly if there is insufficient bone for them to remain anchored to.
Other factors like smoking, teeth grinding, osteoporosis, and poor dental hygiene can reduce your implant’s lifespan and lead to future dental work.
Find Restorative Dental Services Near You
Crowns vs veneers and other restorative dental work can become confusing when debating which option is right for you. When deciding between restorative dental work, you want a procedure that will cater to your needs, whether it is replacing missing teeth, improving cosmetic appearances, or preventing future jaw and bite issues.
The professionals at The Dental Team have extensive experience working with several dental restorative procedures and can help you determine which one will benefit you the most. Contact The Dental Team for more information about getting started with our dental services!
