Veneers Vs. Crowns: Which One Will Work Best for You?
Finally, you have decided to take a step and go for that picture-perfect smile. Thanks to modern dentistry, you have a myriad of options to choose from. That is the easy part; choosing which one is better is the hard part.
Dental veneers and dental crowns are some of the tooth restoration options that many patients easily gravitate towards. This is because they are easily fixed and solve many of the common dental issues. This is what makes choosing between them even more difficult.
Even though our dentist can help point out which options suits you more, you have to have more information about dental veneers and dental crowns beforehand to ease your mind during your dental visit.
It is vital to know what they are for and to know which one will work best for you. Regardless of what you choose, know that these options are lifelong commitments. Without further ado, let’s define some terms.
Veneers, In a Nutshell
A veneer is an ultra-thin shell typically made from porcelain or other materials that are fixed on the front surface of your tooth.
Since they only cover the front surface of your tooth, they are less invasive than crowns. Meaning, less enamel is removed to provide room for the veneer to be bonded. This procedure leaves more of your tooth intact.
You need enough enamel for the procedure to be a success.
Fast Facts About Crowns
Crowns, on the other hand, are designed to cover the entire tooth. Think of them as a cap that covers the entire tooth. They can be made from porcelain, all-metal alloy, or porcelain fused to a metal alloy.
For a crown to fit, our dentist will have to grind down more of your enamel as compared to veneers.
What Issues Can Crowns and Veneers Fix?
In general, crowns are dental restorations that can be used to fix the following issues:
- Crooked teeth
- Decayed teeth
- Discolored teeth
- Chipped, broken, or cracked teeth
When Are Crowns the Better Option?
If there is more extensive work that needs to be done on your teeth, then crowns are the better option. If your teeth are badly broken, or there is tooth decay, then a crown can be used. A crown is designed to protect your natural tooth from more damage, which can inevitably lead to an extraction.
Another scenario where crowns come in handy is where your tooth’s edge has been damaged due to grinding. A veneer is only capable of covering the front surface of the tooth and the edges.
In a nutshell, crowns are more appropriate for scenarios where there is a lot of tooth damage.
When Are Veneers the Preferred Option?
Veneers are designed to tackle relatively minor dental issues. They are also appropriate if the work needed to be done is more aesthetic in nature. If you have badly stained teeth, minor cracks, chipped teeth, and small gaps between teeth, then veneers are an excellent choice.
Veneers will dramatically improve the appearance of your teeth. If you decide to go with veneers, choose them because they suit your needs. You shouldn’t choose them because you think that the process is reversible or temporary.
Crowns Vs. Veneers: Pros and Cons
Advantages of Veneers
- Very minimal tooth movement as compared to crowns
- Aesthetically, they can be more pleasing than crowns, since they do not reveal the gum line as is the case at times with crowns
- There is less trimming, and so more of your tooth remains
Disadvantages of Veneers
- The process isn’t reversible
- They may leave more areas of your teeth exposed to tooth decay
- There is a possibility that dental insurance might not cover the cost since it is viewed as a cosmetic procedure
- May need replacing after roughly seven years, mostly composite veneers
On the other hand, here are the advantages of choosing crowns:
Advantages of Crowns
- Porcelain crowns resemble your natural tooth
- Your whole tooth is covered and hence protected from further damage
- A portion of the cost can be covered with dental insurance since it is viewed as a restorative procedure
Disadvantages of Crowns
- Initially, your crowned tooth can be more sensitive to cold and heat, and you may experience some gum pain.
- You will lose more of your natural tooth so as the crown can fit
- If you choose the porcelain fused to metal alloy crown, know that it shows a dark line between the crown and your tooth
The Takeaway
Veneers and crowns are excellent choices when it comes to improving the function of your teeth. They can cost you an arm and a leg, especially if you need work done in more than one tooth.
Whether you choose veneers or crowns, our dentist at New Tampa Smiles will be pleased to help improve your smile.