Veneers and crowns

A veneer is a thin shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change its colour, shape or size. Placing a veneer often involves removing a thin layer of enamel, which cannot be replaced, so your dentist will talk through alternatives, such as whitening or bonding, first.

A crown covers the whole visible part of a tooth. It may be suggested when a tooth is heavily filled, cracked or weakened, or to protect a tooth after root canal treatment.

Two types of ceramic crown are offered: zirconia, a very strong ceramic, and Emax, a glass-ceramic often chosen for how closely it can match neighbouring teeth. Your dentist will explain which suits the tooth concerned.

Both are ceramics with no metal in them, and both can be shaded to suit your teeth. The difference is mainly the balance between strength and appearance.

Zirconia is very strong and resists chipping, so it is often considered for back teeth, which take the most biting force, and for people who clench or grind. Emax is a glass-ceramic that lets light through in a similar way to natural enamel, so it is often chosen for front teeth. It is strong, but not as strong as zirconia.

Your dentist will also consider how much tooth is left, the colour of the tooth underneath and how your teeth meet, and will explain which material they recommend and why.

Your dentist will examine the tooth or teeth concerned, take X-rays if needed and explain the options, including what each involves and costs. You can take time to decide.

To make room for a veneer or crown, the tooth is gently shaped so the new surface sits naturally in line with your other teeth and your bite. For a veneer this is usually very little, often less than a millimetre from the front of the tooth. A crown covers the whole tooth, so a little more is shaped all the way round.

Because enamel doesn’t grow back, a prepared tooth will always need its veneer or crown, which will be renewed from time to time over the years. That’s why we’ll always look at gentler options first, such as whitening or bonding, and only go ahead when you’re completely comfortable.

Most people settle into their new veneers or crowns within a few days. Good to know:

• Some sensitivity to hot and cold is common for a few days, and usually settles
• If your bite feels high at first, your dentist can adjust it
• Like natural teeth, they need daily cleaning around the edges and regular check-ups
• Ceramic is strong, but it’s best not to bite on very hard objects, and a night guard can help if you grind your teeth
• If one ever comes loose, keep it safe and call us, as it can often be cemented back

Instead of veneers, whitening can lighten natural teeth, composite bonding can change their shape with little or no removal of tooth, and clear aligners can straighten teeth rather than disguising their position. Leaving your teeth as they are is also a reasonable choice.

For a damaged tooth, a filling may be enough if plenty of healthy tooth remains to support it. If a tooth can’t be saved, the options for the space include a denture, a bridge or a dental implant.

Veneers and crowns can’t decay, but the tooth underneath can, so daily care matters as much as ever.

• Brush twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, paying attention to the gum line
• Clean between your teeth each day with floss or interdental brushes
• Avoid biting ice, pens or fingernails, and don’t use your teeth as tools
• If you clench or grind, ask your dentist whether a night guard would help
• Keep up regular check-ups and hygiene visits, so any problems around the edges are spotted early