Insertion of anterior veneers.

Veneers and crowns are both dental restorations used to improve the appearance and function of teeth, but they differ in purpose, coverage, and materials.

Veneers:

• Purpose: Primarily cosmetic, veneers are thin shells of porcelain or composite resin that cover the front surface of the tooth. They improve the appearance of teeth by correcting discoloration, minor chips, gaps, or irregular shapes.
• Coverage: Only cover the front of the tooth.
• Materials: Porcelain (more durable, natural appearance) or composite resin (less expensive, quicker application).
• Procedure: Requires minimal tooth reduction (usually just the front surface) and can often be applied without much tooth structure removal.
• Durability: Porcelain veneers can last 10-15 years with proper care.
• Best for: Teeth that are mostly intact but need aesthetic improvement.

Crowns:

• Purpose: Both functional and cosmetic, crowns are used to restore damaged, decayed, or structurally weakened teeth. They cover the entire tooth, providing protection and restoring the shape and function.
• Coverage: Encases the entire tooth above the gum line.
• Materials: Can be made from metal, porcelain fused to metal, or all-ceramic/porcelain.
• Procedure: Requires more tooth reduction as the tooth needs to be reshaped to fit the crown.
• Durability: Crowns are highly durable and can last 10-20 years or more.
• Best for: Teeth that are heavily decayed, cracked, or weakened.

Key Differences:

• Coverage: Veneers only cover the front of the tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth.
• Purpose: Veneers are typically for cosmetic enhancement, while crowns restore both function and appearance.
• Tooth Reduction: Crowns require more tooth reduction than veneers.

Which one is recommended depends on the condition of the tooth and the patient's needs.

Watch the video below to see what is entailed in veneer preparation.  The tooth preparation for a crown is relatively similar:

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