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Home / Blog / Veneers and Crowns / Crowns vs Veneers – Which Is Right for You?

Crowns vs Veneers – Which Is Right for You?

Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  / Mar 02, 2023  
Medically reviewed by Dr Minoo Ghamari  
Mar 02, 2023  
About porcelain veneers

It's no secret that a beautiful, healthy-looking smile is something we all strive for. But you have different options when it comes to achieving that perfect smile. These include teeth whitening treatments to crowns and veneers. So which one is right for you? 

To give you an insight into this topic, we'll discuss the differences between crowns and veneers. So you can make an educated decision about what's best for your oral health and overall look. We'll also dive into these treatments' costs, advantages, and disadvantages. Let's learn more about making the best choice for achieving your dream smile.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Crowns 

Crowns are a popular form of dental restoration, but that doesn't automatically mean they are right for you. Crowns may provide several advantages for some people, but there can also be drawbacks to consider.

Advantages of Crowns

So, when might crowns be appropriate for your dental restoration needs? Here are a few of the advantages that crowns can offer:

  • Aesthetics: Crowns are often used for aesthetic purposes. It can greatly improve the appearance of a tooth that is misshapen, discoloured, or otherwise damaged.

  • Function: Crowns can also be used to improve the function of a tooth that is cracked or otherwise damaged. By restoring the tooth to its original shape, crowns can help to improve chewing function and prevent further damage to the tooth.

  • Durability: Crowns are durable and can last many years with proper care.

Disadvantages of Crowns

Crowns can be beneficial, but they do have some disadvantages that should be taken into consideration. Here are a few:

  • Cost: Dental insurance may cover some of the crown cost, but the procedure can still be expensive. The cost will depend on the type of crown used and the dentist or oral surgeon performing the procedure.

  • Sensitivity: Crowns may also cause an increase in tooth sensitivity. This can be uncomfortable and make eating or drinking certain foods difficult.

  • Time: Crowns may require multiple visits to complete and can take several weeks to fabricate. This means you will have to wait for your dental restoration to be finished.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers

Veneers are a great option for patients looking to make minor changes to the shape and colour of their teeth. It can provide you with an aesthetically pleasing solution for minor dental issues, but they don't come without drawbacks.

Advantages of Veneers

Veneers are an excellent option for those who want minor teeth changes. Here are some of the advantages of veneers:

  • Improve Teeth Appearance: Veneers can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth. It can change a tooth's shape, size, and colour to give you the smile you have always wanted.

  • Cost-Effective: Veneers are usually less expensive than crowns. It can also provide a more cost-effective solution for minor dental issues.

  • Stain Resistant: Veneers are also stain-resistant, so they can help keep your teeth looking bright and white.

Disadvantages of Veneers

Veneers may be an attractive solution for some, but they can also have drawbacks. Here are some of the disadvantages of veneers:

  • Can Cause Sensitivity: Veneers can also cause an increase in tooth sensitivity. This can make eating and drinking certain foods uncomfortable.

  • Damage to Tooth Structure: Veneers may require some alteration of the tooth's structure, which could lead to further damage down the

  • Not Reversible: Veneers are not reversible, so once placed, the original tooth cannot be returned to its pre-veneer state.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Veneers

Veneers are a great option for patients looking to make minor changes to the shape and colour of their teeth. It can provide you with an aesthetically pleasing solution for minor dental issues, but they don't come without drawbacks.

Advantages of Veneers

Veneers are an excellent option for those who want minor teeth changes. Here are some of the advantages of veneers:

  • Improve Teeth Appearance: Veneers can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth. It can change a tooth's shape, size, and colour to give you the smile you have always wanted.

  • Cost-Effective: Veneers are usually less expensive than crowns. It can also provide a more cost-effective solution for minor dental issues.

  • Stain Resistant: Veneers are also stain-resistant, so they can help keep your teeth looking bright and white.

Cost Comparison for Crowns and Veneers

The cost comparison is an essential factor to consider when it comes to veneers vs. crowns.

Crowns are typically more expensive than veneers due to the materials used and the time spent creating them. Dental crowns require more material – usually a metal alloy or porcelain fused to metal – and take more time to craft into the right shape and size. Additionally, crowns require more of your existing tooth to be removed than veneers. As a result, they're usually more expensive.

Composite veneers cost are typically less expensive than crowns. It is made out of thin layers of porcelain or composite resin, which requires fewer materials and less time to craft into the right shape and size. In addition, dental veneers require only a small amount of your existing tooth to be removed, making them a more cost-effective option.

What Kind of Results Can You Expect From Each Treatment

It's natural to want to know what kind of results you can expect from crowns and veneers before deciding.

Crowns are most commonly used when a tooth is severely damaged, either from trauma or decay. A crown covers the entire visible surface of your tooth, providing complete protection and support while restoring your original smile and bite. You can expect your crown to last anywhere between 5 and 15 years with proper maintenance and care.

On the other hand, veneers are commonly used to correct minor cosmetic issues, like discolouration, misaligned teeth or even chipped or cracked teeth. Veneers are fragile shells made of porcelain that cover the front of your tooth and can be colour-matched to your existing smile. You can expect a veneer to last between 10 and 20 years with proper maintenance. 

How to Choose the Right Procedure For Your Needs

When it comes to improving your smile, there's no one-size-fits-all solution. Crowns and veneers are two of the most popular dental procedures available today. However, each has its advantages and drawbacks. So how do you choose which procedure is right for you?

Here are some factors to consider:

Determine the Condition of Your Teeth

Consider the current condition and appearance of your natural teeth when deciding which procedure would better suit your needs - crowns are best for damaged or decayed teeth. At the same time, veneers are typically used to improve the aesthetics of healthy teeth.

Understand the Differences Between Crowns and Veneers

The two treatments have different characteristics and will give you different results. Crowns are ideal if your teeth are severely damaged, as they cover the entire visible part of your tooth and protect it from further damage. Veneers, on the other hand, provide a thin layer of porcelain over the front surface of your tooth, which is used to improve the appearance of your teeth.

Be Aware of Maintenance and Longevity

Taking good care of porcelain and ceramic crowns and composite veneers is essential if you want your smile to remain shiny and beautiful. With the right maintenance habits, porcelain and ceramic crowns can last up to fifteen years. On the other hand, composite veneers may make it up to twenty. To ensure your restoration lasts as long as possible, you should make regular appointments with your dentist. And make sure you are diligent about your oral health practices, such as brushing twice a day and flossing daily.

Think About the Durability of Each Procedure

Cost is always a factor when considering any type of dental procedure. The cost of a crown or veneer will vary depending on where you get it done and the material used. Generally, crowns are more expensive than veneers, so if you're looking for a cost-effective way to improve your smile, veneers might be the best option.

Think About the Durability of Each Procedure

The material used in a crown is designed to be more durable than the material used in a veneer. Therefore, crowns are usually recommended for teeth that require more protection or reinforcement, such as those that have had root canals or require other major repairs. On the other hand, porcelain veneers are more suitable for teeth that need minor cosmetic improvements.

Discuss the Options With Your Dentist

When visiting the dentist, talking to them about any dental treatments is a must. Your dental insurance may also need to be taken into consideration. Because some plans cover new dental techniques but only a limited amount, ask your dentist to explain the recommended procedures. And to guide you on the courses of action best suited to your circumstances.

Tips on Maintaining Your New Smile After Treatment 

When deciding between dental crown and veneers, it is important to consider the future impact of your choice. Both crowns and veneers can make huge improvements in the appearance of your smile. But if you don't take care of them afterwards, their longevity won't be as impressive.

Below are a couple of tips for taking care of your post-treatment smile:

Brush and Floss Daily

Taking care of your tooth surface is important if you want to keep your mouth healthy and reduce the chance of tooth decay. Brushing twice daily and flossing once are essential steps to prevent plaque buildup and bacteria around your crowns and veneers. It's a great practice to get into. Plus, you can be sure that any investment in restorations will last for years.

Avoid Staining Habits

Nobody wants discoloured teeth, so when it comes to veneers and crowns, avoiding bad staining habits is a must. That means no smoking or drinking coffee and tea since these can cause discolouration and damage over time. Even if you practise good oral hygiene, regular consumption of staining substances like soda can begin to discolour your teeth. This will give them an unwelcome yellowish hue. So do yourself - and your teeth - a favour and keep the stain-causing substances to a minimum.

Invest in a Mouthguard

If you play contact sports, it's important to invest in a custom mouthguard to protect your natural tooth structure. A mouthguard helps to protect your teeth from being damaged or knocked out, which can be expensive and time-consuming to repair. If you have crowns or veneers, a mouthguard also helps to prevent them from cracking or chipping in the event of an accident.

Regularly Visit the Dentist

It's essential to keep going to your cosmetic dentist even after you've had crowns and veneers put on. This will ensure that your teeth remain in tip-top condition and that any issues or changes can be caught early on. In addition, regular check-ins are one of the best ways to maintain your perfect smile for years to come.

Avoid Hard Foods

Taking good care of your crowns and veneers is important to keep them in good condition. Remember to limit hard foods like candy, ice and popcorn kernels, as these can chip away the entire tooth over time. Eating nutritiously balanced diets and limiting extra snacks can help preserve your dental work for longer.

Conclusion

Crowns and veneers are both popular options for restoring the look of a damaged or discoloured tooth. While crowns provide more structural support, veneers can be used to fix more cosmetic problems. Ultimately, your dentist can recommend the best option based on your individual needs and goals. Never skip a dental checkup so these issues can be properly addressed before they become more serious and require more extensive treatment. With the right care, you can enjoy a beautiful, healthy smile for years to come. Happy Smiling!

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