Are you looking to restore your teeth? Or perhaps you are just wanting to upgrade their appearance? Both veneers and dental crowns are two excellent ways to accomplish these goals! These dental procedures can help improve the look and function of your smile. However, you may be wondering which one is best for you. There are some factors to consider when choosing the right solution for your oral health needs. Read along to find out which dental treatment is best for you.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are a cosmetic treatment that uses ultra-thin shells of dental-grade porcelain to cover the front-facing surfaces of teeth. They can cover a range of issues, including cracked, chipped, stained, discolored, and misaligned teeth. While not recommended, veneers can be placed on your molars (your back teeth). However, this is rarely done due to the amount of force your molars use when chewing compared to the teeth located in the front of your mouth.
What Are Crowns?
Dental crowns are a restoration that encloses an entire existing tooth. Since they’re crafted from porcelain or all-ceramic materials, they can be customized to match the size, shape, and color of your remaining teeth. Crowns are often recommended to treat teeth that are severely decayed or damaged.
The Differences Between Veneers & Crowns
There are certain differences between veneers and crowns to consider for your smile, such as:
- Purpose of Treatment: Veneers are designed to cover up front-facing teeth that are discolored, misshaped, mildly damaged, or even crooked. They also provide a brighter and more youthful appearance. Crowns can also whiten your smile, but they’re mainly intended to restore the strength and function of damaged teeth.
- Size/Shape: Veneers are wafer-thin porcelain shells that cover the front of your pearly whites. Crowns, however, cover the entire surface of the teeth; therefore, they are the same size and shape as your natural smile.
- Length of Procedure: Veneers typically require two to three visits. The process requires teeth preparation, impressions to be sent to a lab for construction, and then the final veneers to be attached and assessed. Crowns may take a few visits as well, but likely less time than veneers.
- Cost of Treatment: The cost depends on the complexity of each treatment. One thing to note is that most insurance providers typically don’t cover veneers because of their cosmetic purposes. Crowns, on the other hand, are restorative and necessary to protect a patient’s dental health.
Which Treatment Is Right for Me?
The treatment that is best for you will depend on your smile goal. If you want to completely transform it and cover minor dental imperfections, veneers may be best for you. If you want to treat more essential dental issues to maintain a strong and healthy smile, dental crowns may be your go-to. A consultation with your dentist will be able to determine the best route for your pearly whites.
There are many benefits from both veneers and crowns. With this helpful information and a visit to your dentist, your best smile is closer than you know!
About the Author
Dr. Hal Lippard (a.ka. Dr. Hal) has been making the smiles of Charlottesville happier and healthier for decades. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Tennessee College and continues pursuing advanced training through the University of North Carolina’s Summer Review. By providing a range of services, including restorative and cosmetic dentistry, he can help you make the right choice between veneers or crowns so you can achieve your dream smile! To schedule an appointment, contact him through his website or call (434) 293-9311.