Your smile is one of the first things that people notice about you. That’s why it’s important to care for your teeth and keep them looking their best. Dental crowns and veneers are two popular options for improving the appearance of your teeth. But what exactly are they?

A dental crown is a dental restoration that completely caps or encircles a damaged or decayed tooth or a dental implant. Crowns are often used to improve the strength or appearance of teeth such as misshapen or discolored teeth.

Dental crowns are made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, metal, and composite resin.

• Porcelain and ceramic crowns are the most popular options because they most closely resemble natural teeth. 
• Metal crowns are the strongest option, but they are also the most visible.
• Composite resin crowns are a more affordable option, but they are not as durable as porcelain or ceramic crowns.

Getting a dental crown is a two-step process. First, your dentist will prepare your tooth by removing any damaged or decayed tissue. Next, your dentist will take an impression of your tooth and send it to a dental lab, where your crown will be custom-made. Once your crown is ready, your dentist will bond it to your tooth with dental cement.

A dental veneer is a dental restoration that is thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth. They are typically made from porcelain or composite resin. They can be used to correct a variety of dental problems, including gaps, chips, cracks, stains, and misshapen teeth.

Getting dental veneers is a two-step process. First, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a small amount of enamel. This will help ensure that the veneers will fit properly and look natural. Next, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send it to a dental laboratory. The laboratory will then create your custom veneers. Once they are ready, your dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth.

Dental crowns and veneers are used to improve the appearance of teeth, but they each have their own distinct advantages and disadvantages.

Dental crowns are used to cover and protect a tooth that has been damaged by decay or injury or is otherwise in need of support.



Advantages of dental crowns include:

• Increased strength and support for a damaged or weak tooth
• Improved appearance of a misshapen or discolored tooth
• Protection for a tooth that has had a root canal

Disadvantages of dental crowns include:

• The need for two dental visits (one to place the crown and one to remove it after it has been placed)
• The possibility of the crown becoming loose or falling off
• The need to avoid chewing hard foods or biting your nails with the crowned tooth

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells bonded to the front of your teeth used to improve the appearance of teeth that are discolored, chipped, or otherwise damaged.

Advantages of dental veneers include:

• Improved appearance of damaged or discolored teeth
• Minimal invasiveness (veneers are placed over the existing tooth structure)
• No need for two dental visits (veneers can be placed in one visit)

Disadvantages of dental veneers include:

• The possibility of the veneer becoming loose or falling off
• The need to avoid chewing hard foods or biting your nails with the veneered tooth
• The need for regular dental checkups to ensure that the veneers are still in place

The cost of dental crowns and veneers can vary depending on the dentist and the location. In general, dental crowns tend to be more expensive than veneers. The average cost of a dental crown is $500 to $1,500, while the average cost of veneers is $500 to $1,000.

Deciding whether to get dental crowns or veneers is a personal decision, and there are a few factors to consider before making a decision. Consulting with a dentist and taking a closer look at dental crowns and veneers can help you decide on the best option.

Are you looking for a way to improve your smile? At Royal Dental, we offer dental veneers, and dental crowns in Manassas are two great options that can help you achieve the look you desire. Our expert team of dentists will work with you to ensure you’re completely satisfied with your new smile. Let us help you achieve the smile of your dreams. Schedule an appointment with us today!