Dental Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Option Is Right For You?

Your smile displays your confidence. You might hesitate to smile in public due to some dental issue. There are various advanced dental restoration methods available to restore your smile. It will make your smile more aesthetically pleasing. It will also ensure your oral functions are restored. 

Dental crowns and veneers are two popular dental restoration procedures. This article will help you understand the difference between these two procedures. You can compare their benefits to find the right fit for you. You will also learn about the cost associated with these two procedures to determine which will suit your budget the best. 

Dental Crowns

A dental crown covers the whole tooth. It is a cap-like protection that shields your tooth. It is used after the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth. It is a place to protect the damaged tooth from further damage. It is also used on an implant for protection against damage. It is available in metal, alloys, and porcelain. 

Other than all-metal dental crowns, all other crowns match the natural tooth color. It makes your smile look natural. 

Pros

• All of the tooth is covered with a crown. So your tooth is well-protected from cavities.
• Porcelain crowns look just like your natural teeth. It also feels like it. 
• Crowns are relatively permanent. They don’t have to be removed for cleaning purposes, such as dentures.
• Dental insurance may cover a portion of dental crown procedure costs.

Cons

• To make room for the crown, more of your natural tooth is removed
• Your crowned tooth may be more sensitive to heat and cold initially. You might also experience gum pain. If sensitivity increases, you must schedule a follow-up visit.
• Porcelain is fragile. It can be damaged over time. You might need to replace it. 
• Porcelain fused to a porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) crown does not look very natural. They show a thin, dark line between your natural tooth and the crown.

Dental Veneers

A veneer covers the frontal portion of your tooth. They are not invasive like crowns. They keep the original tooth intact. It bonds with tooth enamel. You must have enough enamel. Otherwise, veneers cannot bond with the tooth properly. It is a thin layer of porcelain. It is naturally looking in nature. This makes it an aesthetically pleasing choice for your oral problems. 

Pros

• They are more aesthetic than crowns in the long run. They don’t show a gum margin after several years. But in some cases, crowns do. They are in natural tooth color.
• Some veneers don’t require a lot of trimming. You can save more of your healthy natural tooth by using these.
• Teeth with veneers have minimal movement. Veneers bond with tooth enamel for support. 

Cons

• Veneers can leave more areas of your tooth exposed to new decay. It only covers the frontal part of the tooth. 
• Composite veneers are affordable but may only last 5–7 years. Other veneer materials last longer but may have to be replaced. Crowns last much longer than veneers.
• Veneers aren’t reversible.
• Veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance.

Cost Structure

Dental restoration procedures are expensive. You need to consult an expert to determine the total cost of each procedure. The cost differs depending on various factors. These include the size of the tooth and geographic location. Usually, dental insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures. This is why they might cover a portion of dental crown procedures. But they do not cover veneers.

Veneers

This procedure can cost anything between $1000 to $2.5K. You need to explore dental offices to find out how much they might charge. Porcelain veneers are much more expensive than composite ones. A composite veneer procedure costs between $250 and $1.5 K. However, these are less durable. And you might need a replacement after 5 or 7 years. 

Crowns

The crown procedure is much more expensive than veneers. But it offers long-term durability and support. You might spend over $1000 to $3.5K to get a dental crown for each tooth. You need to pay extra for additional processes like core buildup or root canals. 

All-metal crowns are the most affordable crowns. However, they are not natural-looking. You can consult your dentist to find more ways to save more money. You can also use dental insurance to cover a portion of your dental crown bills. 

Which procedure is best suited for you?

Different dental restoration methods are suitable for different problems. You might need a dental restoration in the following conditions:

• discolored teeth
• chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• decayed or weakened teeth
• crooked teeth

You must keep your budget in mind to find the right fit for yourself. Your dentist will help you understand which method is suitable for your requirements. 

Veneers might be the best bet, as they are cheap. But you need to understand that they are not covered by dental insurance. If you have one, it is better to consider a crown as the better option. They are more durable. However, veneers might work better for you in case you need a minor restoration. They are also great if you do not have dental insurance. 

Conclusion

You might need dental restorations to protect your teeth from further damage. But sometimes, it also provides a way to enhance your smile. You need to follow your dentist’s recommendations while undergoing an expensive procedure. This way, you can avoid various risks and complications.

You can also consult experts at Splendora Dentist, TX, to understand which method is more suitable for you. You can learn some tips about oral care as well. With effective guidance, you can shield your tooth from further risk of damage.