Crowns vs. Veneers: The Pros and Cons

While tooth chips, stains, discolorations, and cracks are not painful, they can significantly affect the appearance of your smile. A bright and aligned smile is key to proper self-esteem and confidence. Thanks to modern cosmetic dentistry, you do not have to live with these imperfections for the rest of your life.

If you want to enhance your smile's appearance, you have several cosmetic options you can choose from. Dental crowns and veneers are two of the most common options people opt for when they want a smile makeover.

While both cosmetic dental procedures can boost your smile aesthetics, they have some critical differences you will learn about below to make an informed decision on what to choose.

Understanding Dental Crowns and Veneers

Before we go into further details, you must understand what dental crowns and veneers are and how they function. Also known as a dental cap, a dental crown is a dental restoration type that your dentist uses to cap or cover a severely damaged or decayed tooth or tooth implant. A dental crown is ideal for:

• Post-endodontic treatment — After a root canal therapy, your dentist could recommend a dental crown to strengthen the affected tooth and improve its functions.

• Tooth protection — If you have a severely damaged, decayed, worn out, broken, or otherwise weak tooth, a dental crown could help protect it from further damage.

• Replacing a missing tooth after a dental implant placement.

• Holding or anchoring a dental bridge in place.

• Covering a badly misshapen or discolored tooth.

Depending on your preferences and the location of the damaged or weakened teeth, the dentist can make your custom dental crown using any of the following materials:

• Porcelain.

• Metal.

• Ceramic.

• Porcelain fused to metal.

• Pressed ceramic.

Your dentist will recommend porcelain or ceramic dental crowns for front teeth because the metallic appearance of metal crowns is not aesthetically appealing. Due to their natural-looking appearance and ability to address various dental problems, dental crowns can improve your teeth's functions and boost your smile's aesthetics.

On the other hand, dental veneers are custom-made thin shells made of porcelain or composite resin that your dentist uses to cover the front surfaces of your teeth to enhance their aesthetics. Dental veneers are ideal for correcting minor cosmetic dental issues, like teeth discolorations, chips, stains, gaps, cracks, or slight misalignment.

Fortunately, a dentist can customize and design a dental veneer to seamlessly blend in with your natural teeth for the appealing and natural-looking smile you deserve. The dental veneer placement will require at least two dental appointments. During your first appointment, the dentist will prepare your tooth for your custom veneer and create your veneer impressions.

Then, on your second appointment, the dentist will fix and fit them on your teeth for a new smile.

Hence, they are an excellent dental restoration option for anyone needing a convenient treatment experience and fast results. However, you should speak with a skilled dentist if you are trying to decide between veneers and crowns for cosmetic dentistry.

Key Differences Between a Dental Veneer and Dental Crown

While both dental veneers and crowns can boost your smile aesthetics, they have some key differences you ought to know. The main differences between these two procedures lie in various factors influencing their suitability for your unique dental condition. Explained below are some of these differences:

The Preparation Process

The tooth preparation process before the procedure significantly differs between dental veneers and crowns. Dental crowns require more extensive preparation than veneers, as your dentist must remove additional tooth enamel to accommodate the crown.

Unfortunately, this could be an issue if you have a weakened tooth because removing more enamel could weaken it further. Conversely, veneers require minimal removal of your teeth enamel, making it a conservative procedure for patients with weak teeth.

Durability

Dental crowns are more durable and stronger than veneers. Generally, they can last between five and fifteen years, depending on how you care for them. Also, since they cover the entire tooth, dental crowns provide additional protection and support to your affected tooth.

Conversely, dental veneers could last between ten and fifteen years with proper care. However, composite veneers have a shorter lifespan. While veneers are long-lasting and strong, they are more likely to chip or crack than dental crowns.

Coverage

As mentioned in the previous sentence, the veneers only cover the tooth's front surface and are ideal for masking teeth imperfections, like stains and discolorations. However, if you have a severely damaged tooth, a dental crown could be the ideal restorative and cosmetic procedure for your unique condition because it covers the entire tooth.

Functionality

Dental crowns serve restorative and functional purposes because they offer more support to your affected tooth. A dental crown is your go-to remedy if you have a severely damaged or weak tooth. On the other hand, veneers are ideal for cosmetic improvement. If you have minor imperfections on your teeth that affect their size, shape, length, or shade, a dental veneer could help fix this issue.

Aesthetics

While dental crowns also help improve your smile's appearance, veneers are the go-to remedy for most people who need a smile makeover because they make your teeth appear flawless and brighter. Since they are custom-made to match the shape, color, and size of your existing teeth, most people cannot notice you have veneers.

Conversely, dental crowns can be noticeable because they cover a large part of your tooth and can sometimes be bulky. However, both of these procedures can significantly improve your smile's appearance.

Costs

How much you will pay for dental veneers and crowns varies, depending on various factors, like the location of your dentist's clinic, his/her experience, and the material you choose. Generally speaking, dental crowns will cost more than dental veneers because they require extensive preparation, and the materials that make them are more durable.

Various Factors You Should Consider When Deciding Between Dental Veneers and Dental Crowns

Now that you know how dental crowns differ from dental veneers, you should consider certain factors when deciding which restorative dental procedure to undertake. Some of these factors include:

Your Dental Issue Severity

The type and severity of your dental issue can help you determine whether dental crowns or veneers are the ideal choice. Dental veneers are an excellent solution for minor cosmetic dental issues like tooth chips, stains, or cracks. However, if your tooth damage is extreme, dental crowns can help restore its strength and functionality.

Longevity of the Restoration

Another critical factor to consider is the durability and longevity of the dental restoration. As mentioned in the previous paragraph, a dental crown can last up to fifteen years. However, a dental veneer will last between ten and fifteen years. Therefore, dental crowns could be an excellent remedy if you want a long-lasting solution for your dental health issue.

Your Tooth Structure

The integrity of your tooth structure will also determine the ideal restoration for your unique issue. Dental veneers could be an excellent remedy if the affected tooth has adequate enamel and does not need extensive tooth preparation. However, if you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth, a dental crown could be the ideal solution for your issue.

The Desired Outcome

You should consider the desired results when deciding between dental veneers and crowns. If you aim to achieve a flawless, celebrity-like smile, dental veneers could be the ideal solution for your dental imperfections. However, if your priority is the functionality of your tooth and you require extensive restoration, you should opt for dental crowns.

When you consider these factors and discuss them with your dentist during your initial appointment, he/she can help you decide between dental crowns and veneers. Your dentist can help you choose the ideal treatment that can help boost your dental health and aesthetics.

The Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Crowns

Like any other dental treatment, dental crowns have their advantages and disadvantages. Below are some of the primary ones that you ought to know:

Advantages

Below are some of the advantages of dental crowns that you ought to know:

1. They are Long-Lasting

Crowns are primarily famous because they are durable and long-lasting. Dental crowns could be the best dental restoration option if you want a long-lasting remedy for your weak teeth. The materials that make dental crowns allow them to withstand the forces of biting and chewing, providing a long-lasting remedy for your dental issue.

2. They are Versatile

Dental crowns are versatile and can help address various dental issues affecting the functions and aesthetics of your smile, including cavities and worn-out teeth.

3. They Help Protect Your Teeth

Dental crowns are strong and can offer a protective layer that covers your entire damaged tooth to improve its strength and prevent further damage.

4. They Can Restore Your Teeth Functions

If your tooth is severely damaged or weak due to a recent dental procedure, like a root canal, a dental crown can help strengthen it to improve your chewing and biting ability.

5. They Give Your Teeth a Natural Appearance

A dental crown can give you a natural-looking smile since your dentist can customize it to match the affected tooth's size, shape, and color.

Disadvantages

While dental crowns have several merits, this dental restoration option also has some demerits, such as:

1. They Require a Removal of a Significant Part of Your Tooth Enamel

The dentist must remove a significant portion of the affected tooth to accommodate your custom dental crown. Unfortunately, this irreversible step of tooth preparation before a dental crown is irreversible.

2. They are Costly

Dental crowns cost more than most dental restoration procedures. As mentioned above, how much you will pay for this dental restoration treatment will depend on the materials the dentist will use to make your dental crown.

Before this procedure, you should discuss the cost issue with your dentist and explore the available payment options your dentist accepts because your dental insurance could offer partial coverage of the entire cost.

3. They Can Cause Teeth Sensitivity

After the dental crown placement procedure, you could experience tooth sensitivity due to the amount of tooth enamel the dentist will remove to prepare your tooth for treatment.

4. They Can Increase Your Risk of Tooth Decay

Although dental crowns cannot develop decay, they can increase the risk of your teeth developing decay and cavities because you cannot brush underneath them. Hence, regular dental check-ups are necessary to reduce the risk of tooth decay if you have any tooth restored using a dental crown.

Weighing Up the Advantages and Disadvantages of Dental Veneers

Weighing up the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers is essential before choosing them as the ideal treatment for your unique dental issue. Below are some of the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers, respectively:

Advantages

Below are the key benefits of veneers that you should consider when looking for dental restoration treatment for your dental imperfections:

1. They are Aesthetically Appealing

Dental veneers can give you a remarkable smile makeover. Dental veneers can fix these issues and transform your smile's appearance, whether you have chipped, discolored, or slightly misaligned teeth.

2. They are Versatile

The dental veneers are customizable based on teeth size, shape, and color to address your dental imperfections and give you a harmonious smile. Whether you have cavities, sharp chips, stains, or discolorations on your teeth, dental veneers are an option you can consider if you want to fix these issues and improve your smile's appearance.

3. Dental Veneer Placement Procedure Conservative

Unlike dental crowns, placing dental veneers on your tooth will require minimal preparation of your tooth enamel, making it a conservative treatment because much of your natural teeth will remain unaffected.

4. They are Durable and Stain Resistant

Porcelain-made dental veneers are resistant to stains and highly durable, meaning you can enjoy your favorite colored drinks like red wine without worrying they can stain them. Dental veneers could last several years with proper dental hygiene practices and care, giving you a long-lasting, healthy smile.

5. The Provide Quick Results

The placement of dental veneers will only require one appointment, meaning you can achieve your desired smile on the same day.

Disadvantages

The disadvantages of using dental veneers to restore your teeth's functions and appearance include the following:

1. They Are Irreversible

As mentioned, the dentist must remove a thin layer of your tooth enamel before placing dental veneers. Unfortunately, this preparation procedure is irreversible. Once your dental veneers are in place, you must maintain them well to increase longevity.

2. They are Costly

Dental veneers are costly, but their price will vary widely depending on your unique case complexity, the materials used, the dentist's location, and the number of veneers you need to fix your unique condition.

3. The Can Cause Teeth Sensitivity

Like dental crowns, dental veneers could cause tooth sensitivity when drinking hot, cold, or sour drinks because of the thin layer of enamel your dentist will remove before placing them on your teeth. Fortunately, this sensitivity issue will go away shortly after the procedure. Also, your dentist can recommend ways you can manage the sensitivity.

What to Expect During Your Dental Crown or Veneer Placement Appointment

The procedure for having your teeth covered with dental veneers or crowned is the same, but there are some differences in the preparation process. Here is an overview of what to expect during these two dental restorative treatments:

Initial Consultation

A dental consultation is the first step in having your damaged or imperfect teeth covered with veneers or crowned. During your initial consultation, your dentist will carefully assess your unique dental condition and recommend appropriate treatment to help you achieve the desired goals.

Tooth Preparation

After consultation and deciding on appropriate treatment, the dentist will prepare your tooth for the procedure. If you are an excellent candidate for crowns, the dentist will remove a portion of your teeth enamel to create adequate space for your custom-made dental crown. However, as mentioned above, the amount of enamel the dentist will remove to prepare your tooth is minimal for veneers.

Impression Taking

During this step, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth and send them to the laboratory technician to customize your dental crowns or veneers.

Temporary Restoration Placement

A temporary dental restoration is sometimes necessary to protect the prepared tooth before your dental crown or veneer placement.

Dental Crown or Veneer Fitting

Once your dental crowns or veneers are ready, the dentist will fit them on your teeth and adjust them for a comfortable and aesthetically appealing fit.

Dental Crown and Veneer Bonding

The final steps will involve bonding your dental crowns or veneers on the affected teeth to improve their aesthetics and functionality.

How to Care for Your Dental Veneers and Crowns

Maintaining excellent oral and dental care is vital to increase the durability of your dental veneers and crowns. Here are a few tips for maintaining and caring for your new dental restorations:

• Brush and floss your teeth at least twice daily.

• If you have teeth grinding issue, you should use a mouthguard at night.

• Avoid chewing hard foods like nuts.

• Schedule a regular appointment with your dentist.

Find a Reputable Dentist Near Me

Scheduling dental appointments at least twice yearly is vital to stay on top of your dental and oral health. During these routine appointments, your dentist can examine your teeth and help you determine whether dental crowns or veneers are necessary to restore your teeth' functions and aesthetics.

If you want to restore your teeth' functions and appearance using dental crowns or veneers, our dentists at The Whittier Dentist can help you determine the best treatment for your unique dental condition. We invite you to call us at 562-632-1223 to schedule your appointment today.