I am Dr. Greg Ritchie of Ritchie Dental Group in Marble Falls. Ritchie Dental Group offers multiple cosmetic dental procedures for creating dazzling smiles. Two of the most popular procedures are dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Many patients don’t understand the difference between the two. Generally, a crown strengthens a compromised tooth while a veneer is used mainly for cosmetic improvements.
A dental crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. A veneer is an ultra-thin layer for the front of a tooth. Ceramic laminate is used to create durable veneers. Crowns can be made of all porcelain (ceramic), porcelain fused to metal, or gold. Both crowns and veneers are affixed to the tooth with a special adhesive. Crowns and veneers are durable and can last many years if properly cared for, though they are not stronger than natural enamel.
Both of these procedures improve the tooth aesthetically, but dental crowns are typically a better solution for a tooth that has been compromised by decay, damage, or a root canal. Veneers can correct the shape of a tooth, fix a minor crack, cover stains, or straighten the appearance of teeth that are slightly misaligned.
The success of a crown or veneer procedure depends on skilled professionals at the lab and in the dentist’s office. Your cosmetic dentist must prep the tooth, create a precision mold, and submit an accurate order to the lab.
The role of the dental lab technician is equally critical. Highly skilled lab technicians fabricate custom dental crowns and veneers to the specifications of the cosmetic dentist. They must have the competence to meet the precise standards required for successful restorations.
A veneer has everything you want: the specific shape, the exact size, the precise color, and the proper placement in the mouth. This is a case of all or nothing—each aspect must be perfect or it needs to be reconstructed.
The team at Ritchie Dental Group and the wonderful staff at our dental lab work together to provide the highest quality dental restorations for our valued patients.
If you would like more useful specifics about crowns, veneers, and other cosmetic dental procedures, I invite you to connect with us to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation. I can help you achieve a smile that is both healthy and remarkable.
