Choosing between veneers in East Hartford, CT, and crowns can feel like picking between two good paths toward the same destination: a confident smile. While both treatments can enhance how teeth look, they serve different purposes and involve different levels of tooth preparation. This guide explains veneers and crowns in clear, practical terms – what they are, who they help most, how they’re placed, and how to care for them – so you can make an informed choice with our East Hartford dentist.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom shells (often porcelain, sometimes composite) bonded to the front surfaces of teeth to improve color, shape, and minor alignment. Because veneers only cover the front, they generally preserve more natural tooth structure than crowns. However, veneers typically require removing a small amount of enamel, and that step is not reversible. Shade selection happens before placement because whitening treatments do not change the color of porcelain or composite after they’re bonded.
Best suited for:
- Intrinsic discoloration not responsive to whitening
- Small shape discrepancies, edge wear, and minor chips
- Slight spacing or minor misalignment in select cases
Considerations and limitations:
- Irreversible enamel removal; some temporary sensitivity may occur
- Susceptible to chipping if you clench or bite hard objects
- Gum health and bite (how your teeth come together) affect long-term success
- Repairs are case-specific; sometimes replacement is necessary
What Are Crowns?
Crowns cover the entire tooth like a protective cap, restoring both appearance and strength. A crown is commonly recommended when a tooth is structurally compromised, such as after a root canal, large filling, fracture, or significant decay. Tooth preparation for a crown is more substantial than for dental veneers because the restoration wraps around the entire tooth.
Best suited for:
- Cracked, broken, or heavily worn teeth
- Teeth with large fillings or after root canal therapy
- Teeth needing both cosmetic improvement and structural support
Considerations and limitations:
- Temporary crown typically worn between visits
- As with any restoration, crowns can eventually need replacement due to wear, gum recession, or recurrent decay
Longevity in real life: With good home care, regular checkups, and a stable bite, many patients enjoy years of service from both veneers and crowns. Crowns are designed to endure for 10 years or more. Instead of relying on a fixed number, think in terms of ranges that vary by case and maintenance.
Comfort, and Aftercare
After treatment, you may notice short-term temperature sensitivity or mild gum tenderness; these typically ease within days to weeks. Good habits protect your investment:
- Brush twice daily with a soft brush and fluoride toothpaste; floss once daily.
- Keep regular checkups and cleanings so we can monitor the edges of restorations and gum health.
Cost and Insurance (General Guidance)
Costs can vary based on materials, customization, the number of teeth treated, and your individual needs. Some crown procedures receive partial insurance benefits when there is documented structural necessity, while veneers are often considered elective. We’re happy to review your specific coverage and provide a personalized treatment plan after an exam.
About Burnside Dental Care: We take a gentle, honest, and education-first approach to care. Our patients love our warm team and personalized care plans. Learn more here.
What Patients Near East Hartford Are Saying
“I experienced a severe tooth infection during the Easter holiday when most offices were closed. I went to Burnside Dental Care and had a root canal followed by a new crown. The doctor wasn’t satisfied with the first crown’s fit, and when she placed the second one, I realized it was so much better. I was shocked by the complete absence of pain throughout the root canal and my first implant!” – J.H.
Ready to talk?
Call Burnside Dental Care at (860) 200-2329 or book online to compare veneers and crowns with a personalized plan in East Hartford!
FAQs About Veneers and Crowns in East Hartford
What’s the difference between composite and porcelain veneers?
Composite veneers are sculpted chairside, but are not as stain or wear-resistant as porcelain dental veneers. Porcelain veneers are fabricated by a lab for customized color layering and translucency, and generally resist stains better and may maintain luster. Our dentist in East Hartford, CT, will discuss the benefits in more detail. Call us at (860) 200-2329!
Can veneers fix chipped or worn teeth?
Veneers can conservatively restore the front surfaces of teeth with small chips or edge wear, improving symmetry and color. For deeper cracks, significant bite wear, or larger structural loss, a different solution – such as a crown or onlay – may be more ideal. We’ll evaluate enamel, bite patterns, and habits (like clenching). Check out our Veneers page for more details!
Are crowns better for damaged teeth than veneers?
When a tooth is structurally weak, like after a large filling, fracture, or root canal, a crown often provides fuller support by covering the entire tooth. Veneers in East Hartford, CT, are more conservative but don’t reinforce the back and sides. We encourage you to book a consultation for a more thorough conversation. Book through our Burnside Dental Care Contact page.
Do dental porcelain veneers look natural?
Modern porcelain dental veneers are designed to mimic natural enamel with subtle translucency and shade layering. Achieving a natural look involves careful shade selection, proportion planning, and bite alignment. Good gum health also enhances the final, lifelike result. Have questions about porcelain dental veneers? Reach out at (860) 200-2329!
Do veneers work for missing teeth?
Veneers cannot replace a missing tooth because they require an existing tooth for bonding. If a space exists, options like dental implants or bridges are usually considered to restore function and appearance. Fortunately, at Burnside Dental Care, we provide customized dental implants to replace missing teeth effectively. Visit our Dental Implants page for more details!