I am Steven Cutbirth of Steven T. Cutbirth DDS in Waco. We offer multiple cosmetic dental procedures to create stunning 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.
Let’s discuss it in more detail.
Dental Crowns vs. Porcelain Veneers
A dental crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. A veneer is an ultra-thin layer for the front of a tooth. Veneers are made of several layers of extremely strong ceramic laminate. 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 usually 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, repair a minor crack, cover stains, or straighten the appearance of teeth that are slightly misaligned.
Your Dentist and the Dental Lab Technician Work Together
The success of a crown or veneer procedure depends on experienced 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 vital. Highly skilled lab technicians fabricate custom dental crowns and porcelain veneers to the specifications of the cosmetic dentist. They must have the competence to meet the precise standards needed for successful restorations.
A veneer has everything you want: the accurate shape, the precise size, the precise color, and the proper placement in the mouth. This is a case of all or nothing—each dimension must be exactly right or we will re-do it.
The team at Steven T. Cutbirth DDS and the fantastic staff at our dental lab work together to provide the highest quality dental restorations for our valued patients.
We are accepting new patients!
If you would like more useful details about crowns, veneers, and other cosmetic dental procedures, I invite you to reach out to us to schedule a cosmetic dental consultation. I can help you achieve a smile that is both healthy and stunning.
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710
