At Premier Dental Care in Palmdale & Lancaster, CA, Dr. Naguib provides his patients with high-quality dental services including porcelain veneers and dental crowns.
While these two dental treatment options may seem very similar, they actually serve different purposes within your smile. Learn more about the differences between porcelain veneers and dental crowns by reading more below.
Porcelain Veneers
Porcelain veneers are primarily used as a cosmetic dentistry solution for patients looking to improve the overall uniformity of their smiles. Consisting of a thin, porcelain shell, the veneer is placed over the front-facing portion of your tooth. Most patients utilize porcelain veneers on their front teeth or the teeth that are most visible when they smile. This treatment option can be used to address concerns like gaps, minor chips, bleach-resistant stains, or misaligned teeth.
If you have teeth that are misshapen, this cosmetic dentistry service allows Dr. Naguib to even out your smile without compromising any of your smile’s functionality. Porcelain veneers are an investment in the aesthetics of your smile and are secured to your teeth using dental cement. This minimally invasive treatment option is available to patients after any underlying dental concerns are addressed to create a beautiful and healthy end result.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are primarily used as a restorative dentistry solution for patients suffering from severe dental damage. Deep chips or cracks that compromise your tooth’s overall functionality should be addressed with a dental crown to avoid further damage to your natural tooth structure.
Dental crowns are porcelain prosthetic teeth that are created to replace a damaged tooth. The affected tooth will be shaped down to its foundational core, needing extensive enamel removal to make space for the dental crown.
While porcelain veneers only cover the front-facing portion of your tooth, dental crowns replace the entire exterior of your tooth. Once complete, the dental crown is secured to the foundational core of your affected tooth, functionally and cosmetically replacing it while still allowing you to maintain tooth-root functionality. Patients love dental crowns because they allow them to address severe dental damage without the need for a tooth extraction.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much tooth enamel needs to be removed for veneers compared to crowns?
Veneers usually require removing only a thin layer of enamel (less than half a millimeter) from the tooth’s front surface. Crowns require removing more tooth structure, often about 1–2 millimeters, since they cover the entire tooth. Your dentist will recommend veneers if preserving tooth structure is a priority.
Can you get veneers or crowns if you grind your teeth?
Yes, but your dentist may recommend precautions. Teeth grinding stresses restorations, increasing the risk of chips or fractures. Wearing a protective nightguard can help prolong the lifespan of veneers or crowns if you grind or clench regularly.
Do porcelain veneers or crowns stain over time?
Porcelain veneers and crowns are highly resistant to staining, far more so than natural teeth. While they generally maintain their color well, consuming excessive coffee, tea, or red wine can cause minor surface staining over many years. Good oral hygiene and regular cleanings help them remain bright.
Is the procedure for getting a veneer painful?
The veneer procedure is usually comfortable. Dentists numb your teeth during preparation, so you shouldn’t feel pain. Afterward, some mild sensitivity or soreness might occur, but it’s easily manageable and typically resolves quickly.
Can I whiten my veneers or crowns if they discolor?
No, whitening products won’t change the color of veneers or crowns. If they become noticeably discolored or mismatched, replacement is the only option to restore their appearance. Maintaining good dental hygiene helps keep them from discoloring prematurely.
How do I know if I need a porcelain veneer or a dental crown?
Veneers are ideal for minor cosmetic issues like stains, chips, or small gaps, requiring minimal tooth removal. We recommend crowns when decay, large fillings, fractures, or after a root canal significantly weaken the tooth. Your dentist will examine your teeth to decide which option best fits your needs.
Which option lasts longer—veneers or crowns?
Crowns typically last longer (about 10–15 years or more) because they fully encase the tooth, providing greater durability. Veneers usually last around 10–12 years with proper care. Longevity depends greatly on oral hygiene, eating habits, and whether you grind or clench your teeth.
Schedule An Appointment
Looking for a dentist in Palmdale, CA? What about a dentist in Lancaster, CA? Premier Dental Care offers two convenient locations for our Antelope Valley patients. If you would like to learn more about porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or any of our other available dental services, please schedule an appointment online.