Do I need a veneer or a crown? - Tooronga Family Dentistry in Glen Iris

Veneers are custom-made, thin coverings applied onto the front surface of the tooth to treat discoloured, chipped or broken teeth on the other hand, crowns are thicker ceramic “caps” that encase an entire tooth for more severely decayed or damaged teeth. Both can last for many years if proper oral hygiene is maintained and can look fantastically natural, making it a popular choice for many people. Visually they are hard to discern but they have distinct features.

Veneers can be sculptured directly on to the tooth using resin with little tooth reduction and only require one visit. Crowns on the other hand may take up to 2-3 visits as we need to assess the damage, file down the enamel of your tooth to create room for the crown. Then an impression of the tooth is made and sent to the dental technician. The dental technician will create the crown. Once fabricated the crown is fitted and cemented to the tooth.

Since veneers are smaller and thinner they require less tooth reduction, but they are less resilient than crowns to chewing forces. That is the reason veneers will be usually be placed on front teeth, while crowns will be more suitable for back teeth where most of the chewing takes place.

If you have need a crown or if you would like more information about the various solutions you have, please ask Dr. Kaufman or schedule an appointment for a consultation.