Veneers vs Caps

Is the appearance of your teeth getting you down? 

Are they otherwise healthy but just not looking the part? 

If so, many patients consider dental veneers or dental crowns – or caps – but what is the difference between the two? 

The experts at LCCD reveal all in this handy guide! 

What are veneers? 

Veneers are thin discs made to cover the front surfaces of your teeth – thereby improving their individual appearance and the impression of your smile overall. 

They are most often used on the social six – the upper six teeth of the mouth most visible when you speak or smile – and have been in use since our own Dr Mervyn Druian pioneered them in the UK in 1983. 

Dental veneers are most often made from porcelain laminate but can also be made from materials including zirconia and can blend in with your natural teeth so you don’t need to have them all covered. 

Most veneers can generally be applied in 2-3 appointments – it just depends on the type of veneer you choose. Your cosmetic dentist will be able to advise you of a bespoke treatment timeline if you decide to go ahead with treatment.

Who is eligible for dental veneers? 

Patients with the following dental complications may be good candidates for dental veneers: 

• Staining, discolouration, or blackness (associated with tooth death)
• Chips or wear
• Very large or uneven gaps 
• Misalignment issues 
• Extremely narrow smiles 

If you have any of these cosmetic concerns but your teeth are structurally sound, veneers might be a good option for you. 

Pros and cons of veneers 

Before deciding if veneers London are the best option for you, you will need to speak to a professional at The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry, who can advise. 

To help you further, we’ve compiled the following pros and cons of veneers for you to consider: 

Pros of veneers 

• A long-lasting option – around 10 years with care and maintenance
• There are a range of veneer options to choose from
• They are harder to stain 
• They can blend in with your natural teeth 
• Better suited to complex dental issues 

Cons of veneers

• There will be a loss of enamel during fitting 
• It may not be reversible – thanks to the loss of enamel 
• Multiple appointments are generally required 
• If you grind your teeth – named Bruxism – you won’t be suitable for this treatment 

What are caps? 

Also commonly referred to as dental crowns, caps are porcelain covers that can entirely cover very damaged or malformed teeth. 

Unlike a veneer which just covers the visible front surface, a crown covers the whole tooth and can add much-needed structural integrity for failing teeth – making them a solution for much more serious dental complications. 

They can be crafted from a range of materials, including resin, metal, or porcelain depending on where you go for treatment and can be personalised to help them blend in with your natural teeth. 

Like veneers, dental crowns or caps can also be fitted in 2 to 3 appointments, depending on your dental circumstances – for a bespoke treatment timeline, you will need to speak to a cosmetic dentist. 

Who is eligible for dental caps or crowns? 

Patients with slight cosmetic imperfections – like chips or gaps – are not considered good candidates for dental crowns London. 

Instead, patients with the following circumstances are much better suited to dental caps, including those: 

• With worn, weakened, or broken teeth 
• Who have severely cracked teeth or very stained/discoloured teeth
• Needing to cover root canal or dental implant treatments 
• Are seeking a solution to hold a dental bridge in place 

Pros and cons of dental crowns 

To help you determine if dental caps or crowns are the right solution for you, we’ve compiled the following pros and cons for you to consider: 

Pros of dental caps 

• They can protect weak or damaged teeth that might otherwise need replacing 
• You can fill in gaps 
• The appearance of teeth is restored or improved 
• They could last 10 years or more 

Cons of dental caps 

• Material from the tooth, including enamel will need to be removed
• It may need replacing after a few years
• There is a risk of sensitivity 

Which cosmetic dental treatment is right for me? 

Hopefully, this guide has helped you to decide which cosmetic solution might be right for you – veneers vs caps! 

However, if you are still feeling unsure, you’re in luck! 

The experienced yet friendly team at The London Centre for Cosmetic Dentistry are ready and waiting to examine your teeth and create a bespoke treatment plan just for you – designed to give you the smile makeover you are looking for. 

For more information about any of our treatments or to book an appointment for cosmetic dentistry in London,  you can call us on 0207 722 1235 or fill in our enquiry form and we’ll be in touch.