Difference Between Caps and Veneers

Cosmetic dental patients do not usually know the difference between caps and veneers. Both caps, commonly known as dental crowns, and porcelain veneers can restore teeth with imperfections or that are damaged. Dr. Sands uses both caps and porcelain veneers to correct teeth damaged due to decay, are fractured, are stained or discolored, and more. People will have a difficult time telling that you are wearing either caps or porcelain veneers.

Caps have traditionally been used to fix damaged teeth, but porcelain veneers are becoming more popular as the technology continues to advance. They may even be preferable in some cases. However, the decision on using caps or porcelain veneers depends on the amount of damage to the tooth, how your bite is, as well as your general oral health.

Some of the differences between caps and veneers are:

• Veneers cover only the surface of the tooth while caps fit over the entire tooth
• Veneers are generally used for cosmetic purposes, to hide imperfections, and caps are used for dental health issues, such as serious fractures, broken teeth, and severe cavities, as well as root canals
• Veneers are made of thin porcelain wafers, and caps can be made of gold, metal, porcelain covered metal, or ceramic. Dr. Sands uses all porcelain caps in his Beverly Hills practice

Porcelain veneers or caps may fix some of the dental problems you have. However, the success of each procedure depends upon how serious those problems are.

If you are interested in finding out if caps or veneers would benefit your cosmetic dental needs and are in the Beverly Hills, California area, please contact experienced cosmetic dentist Dr. Kevin Sands for an initial consultation.