Crowns and veneers are both dental restorations that can improve the appearance of teeth. They’re often used to replace old fillings or repair large chips in teeth. However, you can also use them for cosmetic reasons.
Some people have natural teeth that don’t need any additional filling material. For example, if you’re getting a crown and another dentist offers you a veneer, you may feel confused about what may be the best fit for you.
Some people get just crowns, while others prefer veneers. But how do you choose between them? Knowing the criteria for choosing between crowns or veneers would be helpful to consider the pros and cons of each.
To help you choose what’s right for you and how you can consult our dental specialists to improve your situation. Keep reading and learn more about the difference between crowns and veneers.
Crowns
Crowns are a type of dental restorations used to cover and protect the underlying tooth structure in various situations. They can be used to replace one missing tooth or multiple missing teeth and support the existing teeth. Crowns are also used when all of an individual’s natural teeth have been lost, requiring the dentist to create an artificial tooth-root, known as an implant post, for dental implants.
Our dental surgeons in Cherry Creek, Broomfield, and Boulder employ synthetic materials like porcelain (tooth-colored crowns) or metal alloys like gold, silver, or amalgam (silver-colored crowns) to make customized crowns for each patient. We focus on restoring the original shape and size of your teeth to prevent further decay and improve the appearance of your tooth.
Veneers
Veneers are a type of restorative dental prosthesis that can change your teeth’ shape, length, width, and color. They are also used to hide imperfections such as stains or chips on your teeth, and they can be used to fix issues such as gaps and overcrowding. Veneers are made of porcelain, a ceramic material that’s very similar to natural tooth enamel in its appearance and strength.
What is the difference between Crowns & Veneers?
Crowns and veneers are two different procedures that serve similar purposes: repairing or improving the appearance of teeth. Crowns are used when there is damage to a tooth, while veneers are used to improve the appearance of a tooth. The primary difference between crowns and veneers is that crowns are used to replace a damaged tooth entirely, while veneers are placed over a tooth to improve its appearance.
Porcelain veneers are thin shells of porcelain bonded to the front surface of teeth to improve their color and shape. Porcelain veneers can also be used to close gaps between teeth or change the length or width of teeth. In contrast, dental crowns are custom-made caps that fit over individual teeth to restore their shape and size, cover discolored areas, or protect weak teeth from further damage.
How to know which one is right for you?
There are so many alternatives out there today that it’s sometimes hard to decide which one is right for you. There are many considerations to consider, including what kind of teeth you have, the color and shade you want to achieve, how much time and money you want to spend on a procedure, and how long you want your finished product to last.
When it comes to securing a beautiful smile for life, there are two options for dealing with damaged teeth: veneers and crowns. While both options provide the solution for fixing chipped, cracked, or discolored teeth, they do so differently.
To understand which one is right for you, you first need to know how each one works.
When are Crowns a better option?
Since a crown is essentially a cap cemented over your damaged tooth to restore it to its original shape and size, your dentist will have to remove all the enamel and dentin layers from the original tooth. Once this has been done, a new crown will be placed over it, and the tooth will be strengthened with a filling material that blends in with your natural tooth color.
Crowns are typically used when gaps between the teeth or when an entire section of the tooth needs to be replaced due to decay or damage. They can also be used as part of orthodontic treatment to fix minor alignment issues in teeth.
When are Veneers a better option?
In contrast to crowns, veneers are an alternative option for those who want to improve their smile and fix some of the cosmetic flaws in their teeth without having any major dental work performed on their teeth. They’re generally used where some damage is done to a tooth from decay or injury.
Veneers will usually be used to change the size or shape of a tooth and color. They must be bonded to the teeth, which requires freshening up the surface with a dental laser or filing down some of the enamel on the tooth to bond with the veneer material properly.
Pros & Cons of Crowns
Pros
- Protection – As part of a larger treatment plan for damaged teeth, our dental specialists usually place crowns over your existing fillings. This extra layer of protection gives you more durability and helps prevent future damage to the tooth.
- Durability – Our process for creating a crown is done in two steps. First, an impression is taken of the tooth and some surrounding gums so that a lab can duplicate it. We use that impression to cover your fillings which helps provide your teeth with a durable procedure.
Cons
- Cost – Crowns can be expensive, particularly if they need to be made with a lab-fabricated porcelain material, and the price is often higher than other options.
- Discomfort – Sometimes crown preparation can cause temporary sensitivity, but this usually subsides within a few days or weeks.
Pros & Cons of Veneers
Pros
- Price – Veneers are cheaper than crowns, so if you have a limited budget, this would be the best option.
- Appearance – This is an essential factor too, but it comes down to personal preference in most cases. Unlike crowns, veneers aren’t as noticeable and do not most of the damaged tooth, providing a better look.
Cons
- Strength – Veneers are not as strong as dental crowns because they can break or chip more easily.
- Durability – Veneers may require additional procedures down the line if they start to come loose or need repairs.
Which one lasts longer?
Though the average life span of both restorative procedures is about the same, it all comes down to how careful you are with your oral hygiene and if you floss twice daily. With these healthy habits, you can easily sustain veneers and crowns for 8 to 10 years and sometimes even 15 years.
However, look out for the quality of material used for a crown or veneer. Usually, the same-day procedures use less durable dental material than porcelain, which doesn’t make them last as long as the normal duration.
Please Schedule an Appointment with Our Dental Experts at DICC
Treating your smile is our main priority, and we do everything from simple tooth cleanings to implants and cosmetic smile makeovers. We want you to be happy with your smile, and that’s why we offer affordable dental services to everyone.
Our dental experts in Colorado specialize in repairing damaged teeth and gums. Our treatments are aimed at improving the look and function of your teeth. We take pride in our work and use only state-of-the-art equipment and techniques to ensure you get quality results.
Please schedule an appointment today to learn more about our therapeutic dental procedures and discuss what’s the right fit for you!
