Veneers Vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference & Which Is Better
Veneers and crowns are dental restorative methods that help improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth. The primary difference is that veneers merely cover the front surface of your tooth while a dental crown encases the entire tooth.
Dental restorative procedures are expensive, making it essential for you to realize which option is best suited for your situation. The processes for getting veneers or crowns are different, but they have high success rates.
Here’s a look at the differences between veneers and crowns and which is better suited for your needs.
Differences between Veneers and Crowns
Veneers from cosmetic dentistry are a thin layer of porcelain or other materials bonded to the front surface of your existing tooth. On the other hand, crowns encase the entire tooth and are made from all-porcelain, porcelain fused to metal, or all metal alloy.
Whether you need crowns or veneers is best determined by the condition of your teeth after undergoing an examination by the dentist in Vernon, BC. The common issues for restoration include discolored teeth, broken, chipped, or cracked teeth, decayed and weakened teeth, and crooked teeth.
Veneers and crowns are color-matched to your teeth unless you choose all-metal crowns. The orthodontist in Vernon, BC, can also treat crooked teeth with braces. However, if you have a mildly crooked tooth and do not favor orthodontic treatments, you can consider a dental veneer or a dental crown.
Veneers Explained
Veneers merely cover the front surface of your tooth. The procedure for getting them is not invasive as dental crowns. For veneers to function correctly, you must have sufficient tooth enamel for the shell to bond to it. The veneer process requires tooth enamel removal to roughen the surface to bond the veneer. You might need local anesthesia during the roughening because the grinding is painful.
Your dentist impressions the prepared tooth by digitally scanning it for the dental laboratory to customize your dental veneer. You receive temporary veneers over your teeth until your new surface is ready.
When your permanent surfaces arrive from the dental laboratory, it is bonded to your tooth after removing the temporary surface and hardened with ultraviolet light.
Veneers have minimal movement after they are bonded to your tooth. However, if you clench and grind your teeth when sleeping, you might need to wear a mouthguard to protect the surface.
Crowns Explained
Crowns cover the entire tooth and require more filing and grinding to prepare the tooth for placement. If you are affected by tooth decay, the dentist removes the decayed part of the tooth before fabricating the crown. If you have damaged teeth, it requires building up before getting a crown. You receive local anesthesia during this procedure.
After preparation, the dentist impressions your tooth by digitally scanning it for the dental laboratory to fabricate your crown. You receive a temporary crown over the prepared tooth to ensure you can use it until your permanent restoration is ready.
When the crown arrives from the dental laboratory, the dentist removes the temporary crown and places the permanent crown over your tooth, and adjusts it to ensure a correct fit and bite. Finally, they cement the crown over your damaged tooth.
How to Determine Which One Is Suitable for You?
If your tooth has large fillings, has undergone root canal therapy, or is highly worn or cracked, crowns are likely the better option.
If your tooth is intact and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, veneers might be the best option. Veneers also help minor shape imperfections.
What Are the Costs Involved?
Veneers and crowns are both expensive, and individual costs depend on your tooth size and its location in your mouth. Your geographical location also determines the prices of these restorations.
Care Needed by Dental Restorations
Whether you have crowns or veneers, it is essential that you maintain good oral hygiene, brushing and flossing your teeth as recommended by your dentist and get six-monthly exams and cleanings without exceptions. Veneers and crowns are durable and last for over a decade when cared for appropriately. Therefore after investing considerably in these restorations, it helps if you care for them to ensure you don’t need replacements faster than expected.
Ryan K Dentistry provides crowns and veneers to cover damaged or worn teeth. If you need dental restorations, kindly schedule an appointment with them to improve the appearance and functionality of your teeth.