Both crowns and veneers are dental restorations that can change the function and appearance of teeth. However, they differ in various aspects, including the placement procedure, cost, and maintenance practice. Also, dental veneers and crowns each have their own pros and cons you want to consider before choosing either one. This blog compares and contrasts crowns and dental veneers, looking at how they are used and their pros and cons. Most importantly, you want to consult a dentist experienced with both types of dental restorations to help you choose the option that will suit your needs.

What Dental Veneers Are

Dental veneers are very thin shells (approximately 1 mm thick) that are bonded onto the front surfaces of existing teeth. They can be made of composite resin or porcelain material. Veneers conceal the front visible surface of the tooth. They are less invasive than dental crowns, since the preparation for the placement process leaves most of the natural tooth intact.

The dentist grinds down about half a millimeter of the enamel to make the surface rough for veneer bonding. Some of the newest types of dental veneers do not require the dentist to grind the tooth enamel that much. You may require local anesthesia for this since the grinding might be painful and uncomfortable. For veneers to function properly, your teeth must have sufficient enamel for them to attach to.

The Veneer Placement Process

Once your dentist has prepared your teeth for the veneers, they will make impressions of those teeth utilizing a mold or digitally scanning them. They will then send the mold or image to a dental lab if the clinic does not have one. Depending on the extent of trimming the dentist did, they may place temporary veneers until the permanent ones are ready.

When the permanent veneers are ready, the dentist will place them after removing the temporary ones. They will bond the veneers to the teeth using a special dental cement and harden them using a UV lamp. There is generally minimal tooth movement after the veneers are in position. However, if you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, you might have to use a night guard.

What Dental Crowns Are

A dental crown, also called a cap, is a customized, permanent covering that fits over the whole visible part of a tooth. Crowns are approximately 2 mm thick and cover the whole tooth surface, restoring their shape, function, and strength. Dental crowns come in various types, including porcelain crowns, PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal) crowns, and all-metal crowns.

When preparing for dental crown placement, the dentist will need to grind or file much of the surface. If your tooth is decayed, your dental professional will extract the decayed section before placing the crown. For such cases, the dentist may have to build up your tooth to hold the crown. The dentist may also have to build up your tooth if it is damaged. They may administer local anesthesia for this process.

The Crown Placement Process

Once your dentist has prepared a tooth for the crown placement, they will make an impression by creating a mold or scanning it using digital equipment. They will then send the mold or image to a dental lab for the crown fabrication. The dental professional may fit a temporary dental crown on the filed tooth while the lab fabricates the permanent dental crown.

When the lab finishes making the permanent dental crown, it will send it to the dentist, who will place it on the affected tooth after removing the temporary restoration. They will adjust the crown so it fits perfectly and you have the right bite. They will then cement the permanent crown in position. Teeth with dental crowns might have slight movement, which may alter your bite. Should that happen, you will have to visit your dentist so they can adjust it.

Differentiating Between Veneers and Dental Crowns

Both crowns and dental veneers can dramatically enhance your teeth's appearance. The primary difference between these two dental restorations is that a dental veneer covers just the front surface of a tooth, while a dental crown covers the whole tooth. Another difference is that these two dental restorations are generally utilized for varying reasons.

To help you understand why your dental professional might recommend one option over the other, we explain their key distinguishing aspects, including durability and cost.

Dental Issues that Veneers and Crowns Fix

Whether dental veneers or crowns are appropriate for your needs will depend on your teeth's condition and what you wish to correct. Common conditions that both veneers and crowns can correct are the following:

  • Broken, cracked, or chipped teeth
  • Discolored teeth hurt
  • Crooked teeth
  • Weakened teeth
  • Decayed teeth

Both veneers and crowns are color-matched to your teeth, except for metal crowns.

However, some tooth conditions may call for dental crown placement rather than veneers, and vice versa. If the tooth has undergone root canal therapy, has large fillings, or is severely chipped, cracked, worn, or otherwise damaged, a tooth crown will likely be recommended. That is because, in this case, the original tooth enamel has been compromised and therefore needs more comprehensive protection. And if your teeth are essentially intact and you are looking to undergo a cosmetic restoration, a veneer is likely the ideal choice. Also, veneers can be utilized to correct minor shape problems in teeth.

The Cost Of Veneers and Dental Crowns

Crowns and dental veneers can be expensive. Individual prices vary based on your tooth's size, its location, and your geographic location. Many dental insurance plans do not usually cover cosmetic dental procedures. So if you are undergoing veneers or crown treatment for cosmetic purposes, your dental insurance may not cover the cost. In addition, most dental insurance plans carry a maximum yearly coverage limit. Inquire with your insurer to see which treatment they will cover.

Dental veneers can cost between $925 and $2,500 per tooth. Porcelain-made veneers are generally more expensive than composite dental veneers. Nevertheless, porcelain veneers are longer-lasting. Composite-made veneer can cost between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.

The price of crowns varies based on the crown material, the degree of preparation work required, the tooth's size, and geographical location, among other factors. The cost of dental crowns ranges between $1,000 and $3,000 per tooth. The figure does not include additional procedures involved in the treatment process, including root canals or core buildup, that might be necessary before making the crown. Ceramic and porcelain crowns are usually slightly more costly than metal dental crowns.

If the treatment cost is too expensive for you, inquire whether your dental professional offers a payment plan or budget for the same, or whether you could space out the payments for the treatment over a specific period without accumulating interest. Dental costs in your specific area might vary. Contact other local dental professionals to see whether they have better options.

Pros and Cons of Crowns and Veneers

Like any other dental restoration options, veneers and crowns have their benefits and drawbacks. Consider these carefully and weigh between them before you make your final decision on what option you want.

Veneer Pros

The benefits of undergoing a veneer treatment include the following:

  • Stability. Teeth with dental veneers have little movement, meaning veneers provide stability. This is mainly beneficial in situations where teeth might have small gaps or slight misalignment, providing a noninvasive solution to enhance alignment and dental aesthetics.
  • Little enamel grounding. Some types of dental veneers do not require the dentist to remove much of the enamel. Therefore, much of the original tooth structure is preserved. In the case of crowns, the dentist must usually remove a significant amount of the enamel.
  • Aesthetically pleasing. Veneers can be more aesthetically pleasing compared to tooth crowns. That is because, unlike dental crowns, which might reveal the gum margin over time, veneers keep their appearance and will not reveal the margins. This characteristic makes them a beautiful option for attaining an attractive, natural smile.

Veneer Cons

The disadvantages of a veneer treatment include the following:

  • Some types have a limited lifespan. Some veneer types, for example, the cheaper ones made from composite materials, may last only five to seven years. However, fancier types made of ceramic or porcelain are much more durable, though they are also much more expensive. Still, recall that, regardless of the type of dental veneers you have, you will need to replace them after a specified period.
  • Increased risk of decay. Veneers usually leave more of the original tooth exposed, making it more susceptible to decay. Whereas the veneers themselves are resistant to dental decay, the interface between the original tooth and the veneer can be exposed. Maintaining routine dental check-ups and proper oral hygiene are essential to curb this risk.
  • The procedure is irreversible. It is crucial to comprehend that the veneer placement process cannot be undone. To ensure the veneers adhere correctly, the dentist removes a thin enamel layer, and they cannot undo the process. Thus, you should carefully consider your decision to have veneers before you undergo the treatment.
  • The insurance coverage for veneers is limited. Your dental insurance coverage might not include the cost of veneers, particularly if you are undergoing the procedure for cosmetic reasons. You should be ready in case your dental professional wants you to pay the 100% cost of dental veneer placement.

Pros of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns have various advantages over veneers. Some of them are as follows:

  • They provide a long-term dental solution. Dental crowns are a relatively permanent solution to restore tooth function. Unlike dentures, you do not need to remove crowns for maintenance or cleaning. Once the dentist places them, they can last several years, providing convenience and durability.
  • They provide a natural aesthetic. Porcelain-made dental crowns resemble the texture and appearance of original teeth, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the surrounding teeth. This characteristic makes crowns an excellent option for restoring your smile’s aesthetics.
  • Crowns provide improved protection against decay. Crows conceal the whole tooth, providing strong protection against decay. That is especially beneficial for teeth with large cavities or extensive damage, as it averts further deterioration.
  • Higher chances of insurance coverage. Your dental insurance may cover part of the charges for dental crown treatment, making the process more cost-effective for many patients. You want to confirm with your dental insurance company the extent to which it can cover your treatment cost.

Dental Crowns Cons

Dental crowns also have their share of disadvantages, but that does not mean they are not a suitable treatment. Their cons include the following:

  • The procedure is not reversible. Once the dentist prepares a tooth for a dental crown, they cannot reverse that process. Your tooth will always need a crown or another dental restoration option to safeguard it.
  • They require the removal of substantial amounts of tooth enamel. Crowns entail the removal of a significant percentage of the tooth’s structure to support the crown. This could weaken the affected tooth, making it more susceptible to future damage.
  • Risk of cavities. The region where the original teeth and crown meet can be vulnerable to decay if you do not maintain proper dental hygiene.
  • The tooth with the crown may be more sensitive to cold and hot at first, and you might experience gum pain. Should sensitivity increase, schedule a follow-up dental visit.
  • PFM crowns show a thin dark line between the crown and the natural teeth.
  • Porcelain is frail. With time, it can be damaged

Find an Experienced General Dentist Near Me

Deciding between veneers and crowns can be challenging. However, an experienced general dentist can help you select an option that best suits your needs. At West Hollywood Dentist, we will assess the extent of your dental issue and your dental health history before recommending the option we believe will be best for you. If neither crowns nor veneers are suitable, we suggest another dental option that would achieve your desired result.

We offer a wide range of dental treatments and procedures and always strive to satisfy our patients' needs. If you are considering undergoing dental treatment in Los Angeles, contact us at 310-361-2080 for a comprehensive consultation and evaluation of your case.