Crowns and veneers offer several benefits when repairing or enhancing the front teeth. However, veneers and crowns serve quite different functions and aesthetic goals. Veneers only partially encase your teeth, but dental crowns, sometimes known as “tooth caps,” completely cover them.
Everyone will have a different preference when choosing between crowns and veneers for their front teeth. The most crucial component will depend on whether or not your tooth is healthy or only requires cosmetic improvement. While one treatment (dental crowns) restores damaged teeth and improves their aesthetics, the other (veneers) is just cosmetic.
Several people have been confused about the veneer vs crown issue and need to know the difference. This article will explain the difference between veneers and crowns.
What is the difference between dental veneers and crowns?
When you smile, it’s impossible to detect the difference between front teeth with crowns and veneers because they look the same. Both are designed to seem like natural teeth and complement the appearance of natural teeth. However, only one is required for “health” reasons; the other is optional and can be considered a cosmetic dental product.
Crowns are full-coverage restorations that operate like a tiny little helmet on your tooth, although some call them “tooth caps.” The protective shell entirely encloses the tooth’s underside, covering the tooth surface up to the gum line. Crowns are utilized for front teeth when the tooth is physically unstable. In other words, it’s broken, has a significant cavity, is cracked, or you recently had a root canal (root canal teeth are extra brittle.) To maintain your tooth operating correctly, it needs a crown. Otherwise, it would simply decay, necessitating the extraction of the tooth.
When it comes to veneers, they only slightly extend over the edges and front side of your teeth. You can see these beautiful teeth when you smile, but your natural tooth is noticeable behind it. Only your dental experts can determine whether the front teeth have crowns or veneers. They all have the same appearance from the outside. However, veneers only cover one side of your tooth, but they improve the appearance of your teeth; they do not strengthen the tooth’s structure.
Let us discuss veneers vs crowns by delving deeply into what each one entails.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are technically elective aesthetic repairs that are applied to teeth. People decide to have dental veneers to improve the appearance of their smiles. They conceal the natural teeth behind them, immediately enhancing your enamel’s overall appearance and shade.
Due to the way veneers cover the actual item while altering how everything looks, some people liken them to artificial fingernails. Before installation, a thin coating is removed with a buff. Others claim that veneers resemble a thin shell covering your tooth’s front. Both comparisons are valid and explain how the veneer hides your natural front teeth.
Veneers are typically available in three variations: no-prep, porcelain, and composite. However, porcelain dental veneers give the best durability and aesthetic results, making them the best for most smile makeovers.
Advantages of dental veneers
As stated earlier, dental veneers are cosmetics and work just like one. There are several advantages of dental veneers, and some are listed below;
- It improves the aesthetics of the smile.
- It can be used to cover chipped, coloured, and broken teeth
- It can be used instead of whitening the teeth
- It can also help to align crooked teeth
- It is tailored toward individual preferences
- Porcelain dental veneers are stain resistant
- Dental veneers look similar to natural teeth and have a natural appearance.
Disadvantages of dental veneers
Like everything that has an advantage, dental veneers also have disadvantages. Here are some of the disadvantages of dental veneers;
- It may be a bit expensive when compared to other alternatives
- It is a cosmetic procedure and so not covered by insurance
- It is usually irreversible
Procedures for getting a dental veneer
The dental veneer procedure typically takes about three trips to the dentist’s office. The first trip is for consultation, while the last two are to make and fix the veneers.
The consultation includes an examination carried out by the dentist to know if dental veneers are what’s best for you and also discuss the procedure.
The second visit involves the moulding of the dental veneers. Here, your teeth will be reshaped, and the dentist will take the impression of your teeth. The teeth impression will be sent to the laboratory while the dentist will fit in a temporary veneer.
The third stage involves getting your teeth ready for permanent dental veneers. Then the actual fixing.
What are dental crowns?
Dental crowns are crown or cap-like dental restorations that dentists result when they realize that your teeth are damaged beyond what can be repaired with a filling.
Dental crowns work totally over the teeth, so they help to reinforce weak teeth.
Before a crown can be placed over your tooth, it must first be reduced in size says this dentist in Wayne NJ. If not, it would “hit too high” or appear overly hefty. Reshaping the tooth on top and either side will let a crown fit entirely over it without getting in the way.
There are several dental crown designs to choose from. Most crowns placed on front teeth will likely be made of complete porcelain, zirconia (a very durable ceramic), or, in cases where a same-day design is used, even carved from a solid block of ceramic. While gold or porcelain fused to metal crowns usually are only utilized on the back teeth.
Advantages of dental crowns
The following are the advantages of dental crowns;
- It protects teeth from cavities and cracks
- The cost of the procedure is covered by insurance
- It makes the teeth look better
- It can be used on just one or two teeth instead of several teeth.
Disadvantages of dental crowns
- It is more invasive than dental veneers
- It does not have the natural look that dental veneers posses
- It is not for cosmetic purposes but a recommended procedure
Procedure for getting dental crowns
The process of getting a dental crown may require you to visit the dentist two times. The first visit is mainly for consultation and examination of the teeth.
While the second one is for the actual fixing of the actual crown on the teeth.
Which is the best for me
Are veneers vs crowns still what’s best for you? Do not worry; talk to your dentist, who will help you.
Conclusion
The issue of veneers vs crowns on the front teeth is a matter of your dental needs. What matters is your overall goal. If it is for teeth repair, then crowns are your go-to. However, dental veneers are your best bet if it is purely for aesthetics.
Reference website:
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns
