Cosmetic Dental Surgery: How to Choose Between Veneers vs. Crowns

Around 7 in 10 people feel self-conscious about their smiles and teeth. This results in people covering their mouths when they laugh or trying to smile with their mouths closed.

If you're one of those seven people, you know how upsetting it is to not be satisfied with your teeth or smile. However, there are some dental procedures that can provide you with much-needed relief.

It can be difficult to determine which dental procedure would be best for you: veneers vs. crowns. Both procedures work well to restore your teeth and enhance your smile.

This guide will go over everything you need to know about veneers and dental crowns so you can make an informed decision for yourself.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that get placed on the surface of your teeth. They help change the shape and shade of your teeth.

They can fix issues, such as:

• Tooth discoloration
• Excessive spacing
• Uneven teeth
• Worn-down teeth

If you want to make a dramatic smile makeover, then veneers are a great option. They're only bonded to your front teeth, altering your smile and boosting your self-confidence.

The preparation for veneers is very minimal. A dentist will typically only have to take half to one millimeter off the surface of your tooth. You'll just need to have an adequate amount of tooth enamel structure for the veneer to bond to your teeth.

The price of veneers depends upon your dentist and how many veneers you need. Veneers have a variety of long-term benefits, including:

• Offering a white smile than other types of teeth whitening
• Are stain-resistant
• Have a 10-year lifespan

Your dentist can give you a more accurate quote based on your individual needs.

What Are Crowns?

Crowns cover the entirety of your tooth's surface and are a thicker restoration option. They're more focused on protecting your tooth rather than being a cosmetic enhancement.

If you're suffering from tooth decay, your dentist will take out the decayed part before creating a crown. Any affected teeth might have to be built up with something like a filling so the crown can be supported.

Crowns can be made from the following materials:

• Metal
• Porcelain
• Material made from porcelain fused with metal

The type of material used depends upon your budget and the location of the affected teeth. Porcelain crowns tend to be more natural-looking than the metal alternative.

Crowns are great for patients who have:

• Failed fillings
• Worn-down teeth
• Teeth treated by root canals
• Fractured or chipped teeth
• Teeth that are irregularly shaped
• Tooth decay below the gum line
• Tooth discoloration

Crowns are a great alternative when you need advanced tooth restoration. They require more preparation than veneers do.

Veneers vs. Crowns — Which is Better?

Veneers and dental crowns are both restoration procedures that work to improve the function and look for your teeth. The main difference between the two is that veneers require less tooth preparation than crowns do.

Since they only cover the front surface of the tooth, there's far less shaping and drilling required. They're a wonderful option if you want to quickly improve the shape, position, and color of your teeth. Crowns require more shaping and drilling of your entire tooth, not just the surface.

Your dentist might recommend a crown to you if they believe your tooth will fracture. They might also suggest it if you have a severe cavity or chip. They can also mask some discolorations that veneers can't cover-up.

Both veneers and crowns get matched to blend in with the color of your surrounding teeth. If you're getting a full set of veneers and crowns in your entire mouth, you can choose whatever color you'd like.

Which procedure you go with depends on the health of your teeth and your goals.

When Should I Get a Crown?

If you need to restore one or multiple teeth for additional support, a crown is a great option. If your tooth is worn down, a dental crown can restore the aesthetics and function of your tooth.

When Should I Get Veneers?

For correcting minor aesthetic problems with intact teeth, you should explore veneers. The main reason you would want to opt for a crown over a veneer is if your teeth are in poor health.

Pros and Cons of Veneers

Since less trimming is required with veneers, they can be more cosmetically pleasing and natural-looking over crowns. You can also improve your teeth' position without getting braces by getting veneers instead.

Veneers are considered a cosmetic enhancement. Because of this, they're typically not covered by your dental insurance. They're also not reversible once they're placed.

Pros and Cons of Crowns

If you have decay or another type of injury to your tooth, it'll be protected with a dental crown. Additionally, your dental insurance could cover some or all of the cost of a crown.

Unfortunately, more of the tooth's structure has to be removed when you get a crown. The procedure is also not reversible.

You also might experience some minor tooth sensitivity after getting a crown. This is due to the fact that some of the tooth's structure is removed.

If you have any questions about veneers or crowns, make an appointment with a qualified dentist. They'll listen to what your concerns and smile goals are and make a recommendation. Boost your confidence as you start down the path to restoring your beautiful smile.

Trust in Champaign Dental Group for Your Cosmetic Dentistry Needs

If you're trying to determine whether veneers vs. crowns are suitable for you, make an appointment with Champaign Dental Group. We'll evaluate your smile and create a customized treatment plan with your goals in mind. All of our dental procedures are gentle and pain-free.

Request an appointment with us today.

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