Dental Crown vs. Veneers: Which Is Right for You?

Dental crowns and veneers are two of the most common cosmetic dental treatments. Both are effective solutions for enhancing the appearance of teeth and improving dental health. However, there are distinct differences between these two procedures that make one more suitable than the other depending on an individual's dental needs. In this article, we will compare dental crowns and veneers and provide an overview of the factors to consider when choosing between the two.  

Dental crown   

A dental crown is a restoration cap that covers a damaged or decayed tooth to restore its strength, function, and aesthetics. These restorations are typically made of porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination of materials.  

Dental crowns commonly treat teeth that are severely damaged, decayed, or weakened. The crown is placed over the tooth after any decay or damage has been removed, and it is shaped to match the size and shape of the original tooth. Crowns can also cover a tooth with a root canal or anchor a dental bridge.  

Dental veneers   

Dental veneers are custom-made shells of porcelain or composite resin that fit over the front surface of teeth to improve their appearance in case of discoloration, stains, chips, cracks, or misshapenness.  

Factors that you should consider when choosing between dental crowns and veneers  

When deciding between dental crowns and veneers, there are several factors to consider. Here are some of the critical factors:  

• Tooth condition: 

The tooth's condition will significantly determine whether a crown or veneer is the best option. Dentists recommend crowns for teeth with severe issues, while veneers are better for teeth with minor cosmetic problems.  

• Treatment goals: 

It is important to consider the goals of the treatment. If the primary concern is restoring the function of a damaged tooth, a crown may be the best option. If the goal is to improve the appearance of teeth, veneers may be a more suitable choice.  

• Durability: 

Crowns are usually more durable than veneers and can last longer with proper care. With proper care, veneers may last 5 to 10 years but are more prone to cracking or chipping.  

• Cost: 

You should consider the cost of the procedure. Crowns are generally more expensive than veneers, requiring extensive preparation and material. However, the price can vary depending on the materials and the case's complexity.  

• Procedure: 

The procedure for getting a crown or veneer may also be a consideration. Crowns need more preparation of the tooth and may take longer to place. Veneers require less preparation, and dentists place them in as little as two appointments.  

• Maintenance: 

Finally, you should consider the care required for each option. Crowns and veneers require regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. But crowns may need more attention to prevent decay around the crown margins.  

Comparison between Dental Crowns and Veneers   

• Material: 

Dental crowns come in porcelain, ceramic, metal, or a combination. Meanwhile, veneers typically come in porcelain or composite resin.  

• Tooth preparation: 

Crowns require more extensive tooth preparation, requiring removing more of the tooth structure to accommodate the crown. Veneers require less preparation, requiring only a tiny amount of enamel removed from the tooth's front surface.  

• Function: 

Crowns primarily restore the function of teeth with severe issues. In contrast, veneers are mainly for cosmetic purposes to improve the appearance of teeth. 

• Durability: 

Crowns are usually more durable than veneers and can last more than 15 years or longer with proper care. Veneers are less durable and may last 5 to 10 years with appropriate care.  

• Appearance: 

Both crowns and veneers look natural, but veneers may be better for minor cosmetic corrections, such as addressing minor chips, stains, or gaps.  

• Cost: 

Crowns are typically more costly than veneers due to the more extensive preparation and materials required.  

• Maintenance: 

Crowns and veneers require regular dental hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing. However, crowns may need more attention to prevent decay around the crown margins.  

Procedure for Dental Crowns vs. Veneers   

Dental Crown Procedure 

• Consultation: The first step in this procedure is to schedule a consultation with a dentist or dental specialist to determine whether a crown is an appropriate treatment.  
• Tooth preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic. Then, the tooth is filed down to create space for the crown. Dentists may sometimes add buildup material to support the crown.  
• Impression: Your dentist will take a dental impression of the prepared tooth to create an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth.  
• Temporary crown: Placement of a temporary crown over the tooth while waiting to be fabricated.  
• Permanent crown: Dentists will remove the temporary crown once the permanent crown is ready and cement the permanent crown over the prepared tooth.  

Veneer Procedure 

• Consultation: The initial treatment step is consultation with a dental specialist to determine whether a veneer is appropriate.

• Tooth preparation: The dentist will numb the tooth and surrounding area with a local anesthetic. Then, your dentist will remove a small amount of enamel from the tooth's front surface to create space for the veneer.  
• Impression: Your dentist will take a dental impression of the prepared tooth to make an impression of the tooth and surrounding teeth.  
• Temporary veneer: The next step is the placement of a temporary veneer over the prepared tooth till the fabrication of the permanent veneer in a dental laboratory.  
• Permanent veneer: Once the permanent veneer is made, dentists remove the temporary veneer and bond the permanent veneer into place over the prepared tooth.  

Risks and Limitations of Dental Crowns and Veneers   

While dental crowns and veneers offer many benefits, there are also some risks and limitations that patients should be aware of. Here are some potential risks and limitations of dental crowns and veneers: 

Risks and Limitations of Dental Crowns 

• Tooth sensitivity: 

Some patients may experience sensitivity after the crown placement, which usually resolves within a few weeks.  

• Decay: 

While crowns can protect a weakened or damaged tooth, decay can still occur at the margins of the crown.  

• Damage to the tooth: 

Preparing the tooth for a crown involves removing some of the natural tooth structure, which can weaken the tooth and increase the risk of fracture or damage.  

• Cost: 

Crowns can be more expensive than other dental treatments due to the materials used and the complexity of the procedure.  

Risks and Limitations of Veneers 

• Sensitivity: 

Some patients may experience increased sensitivity after placing veneers, which usually resolves within a few weeks.  

• Irreversibility: 

Veneers require removing a small amount of tooth enamel, which is irreversible.  

• Durability: 

Sturdy veneers may still break or chip by excessive force or pressure. 

• Staining: 

While porcelain veneers resist staining, composite resin veneers may tarnish if exposed to certain foods or drinks.  

• Cost: 

Veneers can be more costly than other cosmetic dental treatments due to the materials used and the complexity of the procedure.  

Discussing these risks and limitations with a dental professional before undergoing either treatment is essential. Patients should also understand that dental crowns and veneers are not suitable for everyone and that alternative therapies may better meet their needs and goals.  

Conclusion  

In summary, dental crowns and veneers enhance teeth' aesthetics and functionality. Dental crowns and veneers can provide long-lasting results and a beautiful, healthy smile with proper care and maintenance. While both treatments offer benefits, you should consider risks and limitations when deciding which treatment to undergo. Moreover, it would help if you weighed factors such as cost, durability, and the extent of tooth preparation against the desired aesthetic outcome and your dental needs. Ultimately, it would help if you worked with a qualified dental professional to choose the best treatment plan for your unique circumstances.  

Contact your Walnut Creek dentist, Dr Massood Darvishzadeh, DDS at Dental Implant Solutions, to learn more about Dental Crowns & Veneers.

Resource:

Factors that Determine the Effectiveness of Dental Bone Grafting.

*This media/content or any other on this website does not prescribe, recommend, or prevent any treatment or procedure. Therefore, we highly recommend that you get the advice of a qualified dentist or other medical practitioners regarding your specific dental condition*