February 11, 2022
Cosmetic Dentistry

Dental Crowns vs Porcelain Veneers

Dental crowns and dental veneers are two of the most popular dental restoration procedures today. They are used very often in smile makeovers. If you're unhappy about your smile and want to improve it, dental crowns and porcelain veneers are an excellent way to achieve that goal. Dental crowns are used to cover teeth that have been damaged or have a lot of decay, while porcelain veneers are used to improve the appearance of crooked teeth or when there are gaps between teeth. There are a few key differences between crowns and veneers that you should know before deciding which dental treatment is right for you.

Dental Crowns vs Porcelain Veneers

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns are caps that cover the entire tooth. Dental crowns are used to cover broken teeth, or teeth that have been damaged or have a lot of decay. There are many different types of dental crowns like porcelain crowns or metal crowns. Learn more about dental crowns here.

John Dudley
John Dudley
January 20, 2022
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I could not be any more fortunate and grateful for Dr. George Orfaly accepting me recently as a new patient! I switched over from my previous provider in a nearby community after receiving subpar care and at risk of losing two teeth. He and the entire team at Fisher & Orfaly Dental have made my transition a smooth and comfortable one, setting me at ease and swiftly on the path to a promising prognosis! I also know that both Dr. Orfaly and Dr. Fisher care a great deal about the community beyond the walls of their practice, too, both quite supportive of local nonprofit and charitable efforts. This all makes me feel wonderful about being a patient, one of the best decisions I've ever made. You and your family should consider switching to Fisher & Orfaly!

William Stewart
William Stewart
January 20, 2022
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Needed a new dentist in Salem, picked Dr. Orfaly by location. I met him before agreeing to my first appointment, and so far, have been very happy. I'm a curious sob, and credit Dr Orfaly for being patient with my atmospheric river of questions. He knows how to relate to patients, and seems to be on top of his game. Highly recommend.

Carol Gray
Carol Gray
October 21, 2020
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Everything about my dental experience is professional and considerate.

Peter Gaudreault
Peter Gaudreault
August 5, 2020
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Made you feel comfortable, right from the start. Definitely five stars found my new dentist!

Ed Schutte
Ed Schutte
January 10, 2020
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I have been a patient of Fisher & Orfaly for many years now. But recently, my whole family moved to the practice. Their approach has always been kind, caring and practical.

John Dudley
John Dudley
January 20, 2022
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

I could not be any more fortunate and grateful for Dr. George Orfaly accepting me recently as a new patient! I switched over from my previous provider in a nearby community after receiving subpar care and at risk of losing two teeth. He and the entire team at Fisher & Orfaly Dental have made my transition a smooth and comfortable one, setting me at ease and swiftly on the path to a promising prognosis! I also know that both Dr. Orfaly and Dr. Fisher care a great deal about the community beyond the walls of their practice, too, both quite supportive of local nonprofit and charitable efforts. This all makes me feel wonderful about being a patient, one of the best decisions I've ever made. You and your family should consider switching to Fisher & Orfaly!

William Stewart
William Stewart
January 20, 2022
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

Needed a new dentist in Salem, picked Dr. Orfaly by location. I met him before agreeing to my first appointment, and so far, have been very happy. I'm a curious sob, and credit Dr Orfaly for being patient with my atmospheric river of questions. He knows how to relate to patients, and seems to be on top of his game. Highly recommend.

Carol Gray
Carol Gray
October 21, 2020
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

Everything about my dental experience is professional and considerate.

Peter Gaudreault
Peter Gaudreault
August 5, 2020
Star-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-ratingStar-rating

Made you feel comfortable, right from the start. Definitely five stars found my new dentist!

Ed Schutte
Ed Schutte
January 10, 2020
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I have been a patient of Fisher & Orfaly for many years now. But recently, my whole family moved to the practice. Their approach has always been kind, caring and practical.

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain that are bonded to the front surface of teeth to change their color, shape, or size. Chipped or cracked teeth can be cosmetically enhanced with veneers and discolored teeth or stained teeth can also be made whiter with a veneer. Veneers are also used to improve the appearance of teeth that are crooked or have gaps between them. Read about porcelain veneers in more detail here.

What Are The Pros & Cons Of Dental Crowns?

Here are a few pros and cons of dental crowns that you should know before deciding if this is the right procedure for you:

Pros:

  • Dental crowns are more durable than porcelain veneers and can last up to 10 years if proper care is taken.
  • Dental crowns can be used to cover teeth that have been damaged or have a lot of decay.
  • A dental crown can improve the appearance of your teeth.
  • Dental crowns encase the whole tooth, making it sturdier while veneers cover only the tooth surface.

Cons:

  • Dental crowns require more than one visit to the dentist.
  • Crowns are more expensive than veneers. The price of a crown depends on the type of material used to make the crown, the amount of preparation required, and the size of the tooth.
  • Not everyone is suitable for dental crowns. A dental crown is usually the best option if your tooth is severely damaged, has a large filling, or has undergone a root canal because the tooth enamel is compromised and needs better protection.

What Are The Pros & Cons Of Porcelain Veneers?

If you are wondering if getting porcelain veneers is the right treatment for you, here are a few pros and cons to help you make your decision:

Pros:

  • Porcelain veneers are very thin and can be customized to match the color of your teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers look and feel similar to natural teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers are more aesthetically-pleasing than dental crowns.
  • The cost of porcelain veneers is less than the cost of dental crowns.
  • Porcelain veneers are less invasive than crowns because they leave more of your original tooth and natural tooth structure intact.
  • Not everyone's bite is suitable for dental crowns, but porcelain veneers can be used on most people.

Cons:

  • Like dental crowns, porcelain veneers require more than one visit to the dentist.
  • Porcelain veneers are not as durable as dental crowns. Veneers are used mostly for cosmetic purposes, as opposed to crowns which are also used to restore the structure of the damaged teeth.
  • Porcelain veneers only cover the front of your teeth.
  • Some people are not good candidates for porcelain veneers. If you suffer from severe tooth decay, then a crown is a better option than a veneer.

When it comes to crowns vs veneers, there is no clear winner. There is no right answer when it comes to deciding which procedure is best for you; it's all about what you want out of your smile! It's important to consult with a dentist before making any decisions so they can help guide you through this process and make recommendations based on your needs.

At Fisher & Orfaly Dental, Salem, MA, trusted family dentist Dr. George Orfaly will carefully examine your teeth and recommend the most suitable treatment for you. He will also advise you on how to take care of your crown or veneer so that the results last longer. You can be sure that you will get a beautiful smile and restore the function of your teeth. Book an appointment with Fisher & Orfaly Dental, Salem, MA now!

Maura Murphy
Maura Murphy
January 24, 2022
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I was not a fan of going to the dentist! One might say afraid… but thanks to the amazing team at Fisher & Orfaly I am back on track with my 6 month cleanings. The team did an amazing job calming my fears and I can actually say I may even enjoy going to the dentist now! The team is professional, accommodating, and they do a fabulous job cleaning my teeth! I am so grateful that they have me back on track with great dental habits. They certainly have given me something to smile about.

Corbin Bettencourt
Corbin Bettencourt
January 24, 2022
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Who likes to go to the dentist? Fear no more. Dr. Orfaly and his staff provide an environment of ease and professionalism that relieve the jitters that so many feel during visits to the dentist. Whether a routine check up or more complex procedure, our experiences have been most positive.

Jacqueline Traynor
Jacqueline Traynor
May 19, 2021
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I am someone who has been terrified of the Dentist from a very young age, but after seeing Dr. Orfaly and his team over the past couple of months I have 100% gotten over my fears. I have never felt more comfortable and taken care of by the staff. Everyone is so nice and down to earth they make you feel welcome! Dr. Orfaly even came in on a day they were closed because I was having extreme tooth pain, and he totally fixed the problem, I will never forget that. I’m so happy I decided to go to Fischer & Orfaly, best decision I’ve ever made!

Ashley Spencer
Ashley Spencer
April 1, 2021
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Dr Orfaly is the best dentist around! I have alot of anxiety around going to the dentist & Dr Orfaly always makes sure to check in to see how I'm doing & is so nice. If a referral is needed to a specialist, he makes the call for you & gets you an appt quickly (mine was even the same day) I love how they book you with the same dental hygienist for all cleanings.. Adds another level of comfort... Shoutout to mine, Kathy!! 😊

Martina Pena-Martes
Martina Pena-Martes
February 7, 2020
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Before coming to Fisher & Orflay my daughter hated coming to the dentist, she now looks forward to her appointments fully knowing and understanding every procedure being done. They make her visits pleasant each and every time, providing excellent service with the help of their friendly and knowledgeable staff.

Sam Smullin
Sam Smullin
January 22, 2020
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After many years of neglecting my my teeth due to fear of the dentist my dental issues got bad enough that I had no choice but to adress them. I randomly selected Fisher & Orfaly and am very glad that I did. Dr Orfaly did a great job while making sure I was as comfortable as possible.After completing the initial, extensive repairs my mouth looks and feels great. In the 10 years since I first visited I had had no new major work needed. Even better, I can walk into the office without that sense of dread that is familiar to so many people.

Dr. George Orfaly
Dr. George Orfaly, D.M.D.

About the author

Dr. George Orfaly is a Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry and has been practicing as a dentist in Salem, MA since 2005. He has consistently improved the lives of his patients by providing them relief, confidence, and healthy smiles. He believes that oral health is directly related to overall health and well-being. Dr. Orfaly has also been an active member of the American Dental Association, Massachusetts Dental Society, and North Shore District Dental Society.

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