Both veneers and crowns are somewhat costly dental restoration methods that can help your teeth look and function better. The question is when you’re deciding between veneers vs. crowns, how do you know which is best for you?
Here’s a simple breakdown of the differences between the two so you can decide which is not only better for your wallet but better for your teeth and health.
Veneers vs. Crowns
To put things simply, the basic difference between veneers vs. crowns is that a veneer only covers the front of your teeth. Crowns, on the other hand, will go over your entire tooth, essentially “crowning” your tooth with a healthy, functioning porcelain cover.
Crowns
Did you know that a single crown is the most common dental restorative procedure out there? Over 2 million implant-supported crowns are developed every year.
Nearly 120 million Americans are missing at least one tooth and thus, are in need of a restorative crown. If you’re in need of a dental crown, you’re in good company.
Crowns cover an entire tooth. Generally, the existing tooth will need to be ground down to fit the crown over it entirely. The need for this procedure is often due to tooth decay.
Your dentist with grind down the decayed portion of your tooth and fit a crown to go over it. Same day crowns can be down quickly and painlessly and are a great option for those in need of immediate tooth restoration.
A local anesthetic is typically all that is needed for the procedure.
Unless you opt for same day crowns, your dentist will have to fit your tooth for a permanent crown. While your crown is being created, you will be fitted with a temporary crown so you can chew and bite while you wait.
Crowns are thicker than veneers, usually about 2 mm thick. They are made of porcelain, an all-metal alloy, or porcelain fused to a metal alloy.
One thing to be aware of with crowns is that since they cover your entire tooth, they may adjust your bite. Luckily, if you have a good dentist, they can easily adjust your crown to fit your bite and make things comfortable.
Veneers
Veneers are sometimes known as the method celebrities use for making their teeth appear flawless. Whether your reason for getting a veneer is purely aesthetic, or to help with cracking, weakening, or tooth loss, veneers can be a great solution.
Veneers are only 1 mm thick and bond straight to the front of your tooth.
This procedure is less invasive than getting a crown. It leaves more of your original tooth in tact.
To qualify for a veneer instead of a larger crown, your tooth needs to retain some enamel so the veneer can bond properly to your tooth. A special dental cement and an ultraviolet lamp are used to bond the veneer to your tooth-front.
Which to Choose?
When it comes down to it, choosing between veneers vs. crowns will most often be a matter of need. If you are more interested in an aesthetic solution, veneers can be sufficient.
If you suffer from severe tooth weakening or decay, a crown may be necessary to allow you to eat, talk and feel like yourself again.
Check out our post on 5 tips for busy moms to stay healthy for more ideas on caring for your overall health.
