If you are having problems with your teeth and you don't like the way that you look, you might go to your dentist to see what kind of options you have to make your teeth look and feel better. You may have a lot of questions, including wondering what the difference between crowns and veneers are. So, what are the differences between the two?

Veneers

Veneers are a thin piece of dental porcelain or acrylic that is adhered to the front of your teeth. You and your dentist will find a shade of material that will match the rest of your teeth, or if you are going with a set of veneers, your dentist will be able to recommend a shade that will work best for you. Generally, if you are going to get a set of veneers, you won't cover all your teeth, what you will get is the first seven or eight teeth on the top and bottom. These teeth are often called your social teeth. They are going to be the ones that people are going to see when you are talking, smiling, or opening your mouth. Veneers are attached to your teeth by roughing up the front surface and applying an adhesive. There isn't a lot of material that's removed, but roughing up the surface gives the adhesive more surface to grip onto. Veneers are generally a cosmetic choice instead of a therapeutic one. 

Crowns

A crown generally goes over your whole tooth. It is also made out of dental porcelain or acrylic, but temporary crowns may be made out of other materials, including metal with a resin or acrylic over it. The permanent crowns are generally tinted so that they will completely match your teeth, since you generally don't get several crowns all at once. Crowns are generally thicker than veneers are and may last longer than a veneer might. When they are put on, your dentist will need to remove a lot more of your tooth in order to make sure that the crown fits properly. In fact, the majority of your tooth's surface may be removed in order to get the right fit. The adhesive will then be applied and the crown will be fitted into place. Crowns are usually more therapeutic than cosmetic, even though they will improve the look of your teeth. 

If you are having problems with your teeth and the way that they look, there are various options you can try, including crowns and veneers. Knowing what the differences are can help you make the right decision. Contact a dental clinic like Demianko Dental Care for more information.