If you want to understand the fundamental difference between a veneer and a crown, continue reading: veneers are adhered to the front of each tooth; crowns are placed over a tooth to encase it. If you need to correct the damage to your smile created by a pesky chipped tooth, you'll usually find yourself having to decide between these two treatment methods.

There really is no overall right option – there's just the right option for you. If you've been struggling to make the decision between veneer and crown, just read through this quick overview of the advantages and drawbacks that come with each treatment option.

Why Choose Veneers?

Both veneers and crowns require a tooth to be ground down a little. After all, you are adding more to the surface, and you wouldn't want to end up with teeth that look far too large for your mouth. This is even true when the teeth are already chipped; they will need to be ground down across other areas in order to achieve a good fit.

However, far less tooth grinding is required when you fit veneers since the veneer only sits on the front of the tooth instead of encasing it. Veneers are still a permanent measure, but it's always best to remove as little tooth enamel as possible. 

Veneers are also a fantastic way to improve the appearance of your smile. If you've been self-conscious about your teeth before the chip occurred, veneers can be a great way to sort the problem. In fact, you can have sets made to cover all of your front teeth. In contrast, you obviously shouldn't crown every single tooth.

Why Choose a Crown?

When a crown is fitted, a lot more of the tooth needs to be removed in order to accommodate it; this is one of the most invasive treatment methods for fixing a chipped tooth.

However, crowns do carry some compelling advantages for certain patients. Since a crown completely encases a broken tooth, it is a far more protective treatment method. If the teeth that have been chipped have suffered decay or had sizable fillings previously, a crown can be used to strengthen those teeth. They are incredibly durable, making it a good option if you suffer from bruxism (teeth grinding), and people sometimes prefer using them for incisors since they can take a lot of stress.

Finally, crowns should be preferred if you think there is any nerve damage to the tooth. Damage to the nerve can result in significant discoloration, which is better to cover up entirely than to mask with a thin veneer.

For more information, contact local professionals like Melrose Dental.

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