Veneers and caps are dental solutions that are often confused by dental patients who have not experienced having either of them. While veneers and caps (more often called crowns) are similar, there are notable differences between the two.
Coverage
Veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth. Caps are made to fit over the entire tooth.
Uses
Veneers are for cosmetic purposes, to perfect and whiten the smile, while caps (though they do offer a cosmetic enhancement) are used for dental health issues, such as severe cavities, broken teeth or severe fractures.
Material
Most veneers are made of porcelain, though resin composite veneers are still used as well, which are thinner and less stain resistant. Caps are made of metal, porcelain-covered metal or ceramic.
Durability
According to the American Dental Association, caps are made of more durable material than veneers. Veneers are small porcelain laminates that may break or chip under pressure, depending on the strength of the bonding material used, while caps are very strong and durable.
Tooth Sensitivity
Veneer patients will experience little to no sensitivity after treatment, according to the ADA, while caps may cause sensitivity to hot and cold in a way that will be uncomfortable for some weeks after treatment.
Leakage and Decay
Because veneers are thin and only placed as a mask on the front of the tooth, the likelihood of leakage is more than that of caps, which seal off leakage possibility. Caps prevent decay, while veneer coverage cannot guarantee an occurrence or recurrence of decay.
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