Are you considering a dental procedure but need clarification on the differences between veneers and crowns? You’re in luck – you will find all details regarding the difference between veneers and crowns in this blog post.Crowns play an important role in restoring teeth that have been damaged or broken, while dental veneers help improve your smile by covering uneven or cracked teeth. Each restoration has its benefits, so educating yourself on which one is right for you before making any decisions is important! In this blog post, we’ll explain exactly how each of these treatments differs and what suits your needs.
What are Veneers and Crowns?
This blog section will delve into the nitty-gritty of veneers and dental crowns and help you choose the best option.
Crowns
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped prostheses. The dental crown covers the entire damaged or decayed tooth. They are used to restore a tooth’s structural integrity and give it a natural-looking appearance.They are often recommended for teeth with significant decay or damage that cannot be fixed with fillings or other less invasive treatments. Dental crowns also support dental bridges, which replace one or more missing teeth.Crowns can be made from tons of materials like porcelain, metal, or a combination. Crowns made entirely of porcelain, known as “all-ceramic crowns,” are the most natural-looking and are often used for front teeth. On the other hand, metal crowns are more durable and are typically used for back teeth.
Veneers
Dental veneers are extra-thin porcelain shells connected to the teeth’ front surface. They help improve the appearance of front teeth that are stained, discoloured, or mildly damaged. Porcelain veneers are often recommended for people with teeth that are chipped, misshapen, or have gaps.
Veneers are the best option for patients with cosmetic issues with their front teeth but do not necessarily have any underlying structural damage.
Veneers are designed to look completely natural and blend in seamlessly with your surrounding teeth. Moreover, since porcelain is highly resistant to staining, veneers can help you enjoy a long-lasting, beautiful smile.
Benefits of Each Treatment
In this section, we will go over the benefits of veneers and crowns to help you make an informed decision.
Crowns
Dental crowns are caps that cover your entire natural tooth to restore its shape and size. Porcelain and ceramic crowns are usually recommended for patients with severe tooth decay, fractures, or large fillings. Here are the benefits of a dental crown:
Protection and strength
Crowns provide excellent protection and strength to your teeth, preventing further damage or decay. They can withstand the force of biting and chewing, making them a long-term solution for your dental issues.
Aesthetics
A dental crown can enhance the appearance of your teeth, as it can match the shape, colour, and size of your natural teeth.
Durability
A dental crown is long-lasting and durable for many years with proper care and maintenance. They don’t require frequent replacements and can withstand normal wear and tear.
Veneers
Porcelain veneers are lean shells placed on the teeth’s front surface to enhance the overall look. They are recommended for patients with cosmetic issues such as chipped, stained, or misaligned teeth. Here are the benefits of porcelain fused veneers:
Aesthetics
Porcelain fused Veneers can dramatically improve the look of your teeth, giving you a beautiful and more symmetrical smile. They can also cover up small gaps and align crooked teeth.
Minimal invasion
Veneers are minimally invasive, as they only require a small amount of your natural tooth to be removed. This means they are a less painful and time-consuming treatment than other options.
Longevity
Veneers can stay durable for many years with proper care and maintenance. They are resistant to stains and discolouration and don’t require frequent replacements.
Veneers vs. crowns, what’s the difference?
In this section, we’ll discuss the five key differences between veneers and crowns to help you decide which is best for you.
Material Used
The material used to make a crown and a veneer is one of the most significant differences. The crown is typically made from porcelain, metal, or a combination of both, while veneers are made entirely from porcelain or composite.
These materials make veneers thinner than crowns but are also less durable. Crowns provide a better option for those with more severe damage to their teeth, while veneers suit those with minimal damage or stains.
Coverage
The coverage for each type of dental work is different. A crown covers the entire tooth surface, whereas a veneer only covers the front part of the tooth surface.
A crown, therefore, provides greater protection and is used to rectify extensively damaged teeth, while a veneer is a good option for minor cosmetic issues.
Preparation
To fit a crown, some tooth structure is removed to ensure the crown sits comfortably. However, veneers require less invasive preparation, and only a small amount of enamel is removed. This makes veneers comparatively less uncomfortable and offers them a lower risk of problems after placing them.
Lifespan
Crowns are generally more durable and last longer than veneers. Crowns last up to 15 years or more, while veneers may last from ten to fifteen years, depending on their type. Crowns require less preparation than veneers due to their superior resilience but will need a patient to take great care of them for longevity.
For veneers, habits such as chewing on hard things, teeth grinding, clenching, or using tobacco and smoking may impair their longevity.
Cost
The price difference between these two dental procedures is significant. Crowns are much more expensive. This is due to the materials used and their durability. Veneers are generally less costly than crowns but require renewal sooner, which may make their long-term cost comparable.
When Should You Get a Crown or Veneer?
This section will explain the major differences in veneers vs crowns, why you may need them, and the best time to get each.
What are crowns and veneers?
Crowns and dental veneers are dental restoration procedures that cover up the teeth’ front-facing portions to enhance their appearance, and, as a result, the healthy natural tooth remains.
A temporary crown is a dental cap that covers the whole tooth, while veneers are thin shells that bond to the teeth’ surface.
Reasons to get a crown
Crowns are highly recommended for damaged or cracked teeth, severe decay, and large fillings. The procedure involves removing the damaged part of the tooth and replacing it with a crown material such as porcelain, ceramic, or metal. Crowns can protect the teeth from further decay and provide stable tooth structure after a root canal.
Reasons to get a veneer
Porcelain veneers are excellent for chipped or slightly misaligned teeth, gaps between teeth, discolouration, or minor shape issues.
The treatment involves removing a thin layer of tooth enamel from the teeth and bonding the veneers using a dental adhesive.
Veneers are custom-made to match your natural teeth and can last up to 15 years with proper care.
Crowns are more expensive than veneers but are a better option for more severe dental issues. Meanwhile, veneers are less invasive and can quickly improve your smile’s aesthetics after treatments like root canals.
When should you get a crown or veneer?
It’s best to consult your cosmetic dentistry expert to determine whether you need a crown or a veneer. Veneers may be suitable if your tooth’s structure is well-preserved and only minor tweaks are required. In contrast, a crown may be necessary if your tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or has undergone a root canal treatment.
Cost Comparison of the Two Treatments
Dental crowns are a type of tooth cap that covers the entire tooth, while dental veneers are wafer-thin shells designed to cover just their front surface. Another factor that can influence the cost of dental crowns or veneers is the number of existing teeth you need to treat. To calculate the total cost of treatment, you’ll need to multiply the cost per existing tooth by the number of teeth.
If you need crowns on multiple teeth, it can add up quickly. It’s important to consider that crowns may be a necessary treatment option in some circumstances. For example, severe dental decay, large fillings, or crooked or chipped teeth may require a temporary crown.
If you are interested in cosmetic enhancements, such as improving the appearance of your smile, dental composite veneers may be the right treatment for you. While composite veneers are cheaper than a temporary crown, they offer aesthetic benefits such as whitening, correcting minor misalignments or gaps, and improving the shape or size of your teeth, which can significantly affect your confidence and self-esteem.
Regarding dental insurance for veneers vs crowns, coverage can vary depending on your carrier and treatment requirements. Some dental insurance policies cover cosmetic dentistry, while others may only cover a portion, leaving you with out-of-pocket expenses. It’s best to talk about your options with your dental insurance provider upfront and inquire about financing options, making cosmetic dentistry treatment affordable for everyone.
Tips for Choosing the Right Treatment for Your Needs
In this blog section, we’ve compiled four tips to help you choose the right procedure between veneers and crowns for your needs.
Consider your goals
The first step in choosing the right procedure is to consider your goals. What do you want to achieve with your new smile? Veneers might be a good choice if you have spaces or gaps between your teeth.
Veneers are lean shells placed over your teeth to cover imperfections. Alternatively, if you have a severely damaged or decayed whole tooth, a crown might be necessary to restore the tooth’s function and protect it from further damage.
Think about the process
Another factor to consider when choosing a procedure is the process involved. Veneers are typically less invasive than crowns, as they need less preparation of the natural tooth.
On the other hand, crowns involve removing more of the natural tooth to make room for the crown. Veneers might be a better option if you’re concerned about the work involved.
Consider the durability
When investing in a dental procedure, you want to ensure it lasts. Porcelain crowns are generally more durable than veneers, as they cover the entire tooth and offer more protection.
Veneers are more susceptible to chipping or cracking, and you may want to replace them after a few years.
A crown might be a better choice if durability is important to you.
Talk to your cosmetic dentist
Finally, the best way to choose the right procedure for your needs is to talk to your dentist. They can assess your teeth and make a recommendation based on your specific situation. Your cosmetic dentist can also answer questions about the procedures so that you can feel confident in your decision.
Conclusion
Although they may be quite similar, crowns and veneers can reset the natural balance of your smile while helping you achieve a more aesthetic look. Crowns are for those looking to restore teeth that have been weakened or broken due to damage or decay, and veneers are ideal for those who wish to change the shape, colour, and length of their teeth without getting a total makeover. Both options provide effective solutions with many advantages, such as strength, improved dental hygiene, and confidence. If you want to know more about a crown or a veneer treatment that could help improve your smile, contact us at (02) 9158 6379. Our staff will be happy to provide you with further information about our services.
References
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference? https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/difference-between-veneers-and-crowns
Veneers vs. Crowns: What Are the Pros and Cons of Each? https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s The Difference? – Forbes Health https://www.forbes.com/health/body/dental-crowns-vs-veneers/
