When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there are many options for achieving your perfect smile. The best choice for you will depend greatly on your specific needs, budget and dental history.

Determining your best cosmetic dentistry option is best done by consulting with your dentist about your options. Before you do, it doesn’t hurt to understand the basic differences between dental crowns, veneers and bridges.

First, let’s cover the basic definitions and purpose of dental bridges, crowns and veneers:

Dental Bridge

Dental bridges are used as a secure way to replace a missing tooth instead of a dental implant. This technique gets its name because teeth on either side of the missing tooth (or teeth) are used to anchor the dental bridge and “bridge the gap.” A bridge involves two crowns which go over two anchoring teeth to either side of the missing tooth to secure the artificial tooth.

Dental Crown

Dental crowns are used to cover, restore and protect damaged teeth that do not require a full extraction. Crowns are full covers for your tooth, usually ceramic, that protect it from damage and further breakdown. For teeth that can’t be restored with fillings, a crown can address tooth decay, large or fractured fillings and root canals while still restoring your tooth to its original shape and size.

Dental Veneer

Dental veneers are used to add a cosmetic white coating to your teeth to cover discolored, damaged or misshapen teeth and improve the overall look of your smile. Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are made specifically to match your tooth’s shape and color and bonded to your existing tooth.

Each of these cosmetic dentistry options serves a specific purpose which makes them right for different cases. Which is right for your needs? Here are a couple questions your dentist may ask you to help determine whether a dental crown, bridge or veneers is right for you:

What Level of Tooth Decay or Damage Are You Treating?

The nature of your cosmetic dentist needs will greatly affect which option is right for you. Here are the specific cases you may find the need for these different cosmetic dentistry needs:

  • Veneers are used only for very mild, cosmetic improvements.
  • If your tooth is more several damaged, cracked, or infected (which may require a root canal), but the tooth does not require a tooth extraction, a dental crown may be the best option.
  • If you do require the extraction of one or more teeth, but do not want to opt for a full dental implant, a dental bridge is another alternative.
  • Whether a dental bridge is right for your tooth replacement also depends on the number and location of the missing teeth. You may be better with a partial denture to correct your missing teeth.

What Is Your Cosmetic Dentistry Budget?

Your choice of cosmetic dentistry will also depend on your budget. Dental bridges are typically cheaper than dental implants. There are several different options for veneers and crowns too depending on your price range.

No matter what your cosmetic dentistry needs, work with your dentist to make sure you get the smile you deserve using the options that you’re happiest with. Have any other questions about cosmetic dentistry or the difference between dental crowns, veneers, and bridges? Feel free to reach out!