Dental Veneers vs. Crowns: Which is Best for Your Smile?

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When it comes to tooth restoration, crowns and veneers are two of the most common options for patients.

While both of these procedures are used to repair damaged teeth, they serve largely different purposes. For some patients, veneers are a great option for enhancing smiles and solving cosmetic problems, and for others crowns will be necessary to repair and protect the teeth.

This article will help you to better understand the differences and similarities between veneers and crowns to decide which is the best option for you.

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Veneers and Crowns: What you need to know

Veneers and crowns are dental treatments that are used to improve the appearance of teeth. Veneers are thin sheets of porcelain that are placed over the front or back of teeth. Crowns are similar to veneers, but they are larger and more decorative. They are often used to cover entire teeth, including the front and back. Veneers and crowns can be helpful for changing the look of a tooth, but they do not repair any damage that may have been done to the tooth.

What are veneers?

Veneers are ceramic shells often made from porcelain that cover the front of the tooth to improve the cosmetic appearance. While veneers can give you a whiter, straighter smile, they do not provide structural reinforcement for the teeth. They are custom made to fit each tooth and color-matched to your other teeth to ensure a seamless appearance. Veneers can also be used to correct crooked, chipped, or stained teeth that are structurally sound. While you can have just one veneer, most patients use them to correct their entire smile using an average of 6-10 veneers.

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What are crowns?

While veneers are bonded only to the front of the tooth, crowns cover the entire tooth. Crowns are used when the structure of the tooth is compromised. When the tooth is severely decayed or requires strengthening, your dentist may suggest crowns instead of veneers. Crowns are also used to cover root canals and dental implants. While veneers are strictly cosmetic, crowns provide cosmetic advantages while also restoring the tooth structure.

With proper care, crowns and veneers have a similar lifespan

When done properly, both crowns and veneers have an average lifespan of 10-15 years. In order to maintain your restoration, daily brushing and flossing is recommended. Your dentist may also suggest wearing a mouthguard at night to prevent the crown or veneer from breaking or being worn down, especially if you have a habit of grinding your teeth. Regular dental appointments and professional cleanings are also recommended to prolong the life of both crowns and veneers.

Procedure: What to expect

The procedure for dental crowns and veneers is quite similar:

  1. Your dentist will start by taking an impression of the tooth or teeth where the restoration is being performed.
    This will be done using a scan or a mold.
  2. Next, your dentist will place a temporary crown or veneer on the tooth while you wait for the permanent one.
  3. Once your new crown or veneer is ready, it will be cemented in place.

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Veneers are less invasive than crowns

Veneers are less invasive than crowns because less filling is required to prepare the tooth. When you get veneers, only a thin layer of enamel must be ground down to accommodate the porcelain cover. Since the veneer is placed only on the front of the tooth, more of the tooth can be left intact. While veneers do not ruin your teeth, they are considered to be irreversible if any amount of enamel is removed from the natural tooth. Because crowns are normally used to replace severely damaged teeth, your dentist will most likely have to remove decay from the tooth before the crown can be placed.

In order for the crown to fit correctly, a thin layer of enamel will have to be removed from the entire tooth. This layer will be replaced by the crown. Both crowns and veneers are considered to be permanent procedures.

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Are veneers or crowns right for you?

Deciding between crowns and veneers often comes down to the structural integrity of the tooth. If your dentist suggests crowns over veneers, it is often because a crown is necessary to prevent further decay or removal of the tooth. Neither crowns or veneers are better, and prospective patients should consider the condition of their teeth, as well as their overall goal when deciding between veneers and crowns.

Reasons to choose veneers over crowns

  • If you are looking for a strictly cosmetic procedure, veneers provide a less invasive path to a straighter, brighter smile. Patients whose teeth are in good condition but have cosmetic flaws can often achieve their smile goals with veneers.
  • Veneers address your entire smile, while crowns are usually only placed on teeth that need them.
  • Veneers can often negate the need for braces or teeth whitening, both of which can be costly procedures.
  • Crowns are normally used by dentists as they are required, while veneers can be requested by anyone looking to improve their smile.

Why crowns may be a better option

  • Crowns look just like natural teeth, and can blend seamlessly into any smile.
  • Patients with severe tooth decomposition, cracking, or weakness will not get the protection they need from veneers. Crowns cover the entire tooth, meaning your tooth is fully protected from decay.
  • If only a few teeth need to be addressed, crowns may be a better choice

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The cost of tooth restorations

Both crowns and veneers can be costly procedures. In the Los Angeles area, the cost of veneers ranges from about $1500 to $3000 USD, while crowns range from about $800 to $3000 USD. Patients who are considering crowns or veneers should take into account additional costs that may be incurred, such as color matching, follow up appointments, and dental work required to prepare the teeth for the restoration. This is especially true for crowns, as the tooth may need to be filled or otherwise repaired before the crown can be placed.

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Veneers can be more expensive than crowns

Because crowns are used to replace damaged and decayed teeth, patients will typically only need one or two. In order to achieve your desired look with veneers, you should expect to need between 6-10. Your insurance plan will often cover some of the cost of crowns, but because veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they are not covered by most insurance providers. If you are considering veneers, talk to your dentist about financing options that work with your budget. Be wary of lower quality or budget veneers, as they will not last as long or look as good.

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Questions to ask your dentist

If you are considering veneers or crowns for dental restoration, your dentist can help you determine which procedure is right for you and help to prepare and inform you. Here are some questions to ask at your first appointment:

  • Am I a good candidate for veneers or crowns?
  • How long should the materials last?
  • Are there any foods I cannot eat with veneers or crowns?
  • What are the alternatives to veneers or crowns?
  • Can I see some photos of past clients?

Many dentists such as LA Dental Experts offer free initial visits to address any questions you might have and provide you with an idea of what your crowns or veneers will cost.

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