Crowns vs. veneers, so many questions! Do you avoid smiling because you are embarrassed about your teeth? You are not alone! Many people hide behind closed lips because of broken, severely stained, or crooked teeth. The good news is we can help. Crowns and veneers are two solutions. Although both can help improve your smile, one may be more suitable for your specific needs. Several factors may determine which crowns vs. veneers are better suited for you, and they include:
- The overall condition of your teeth
- The look you would ultimately like to achieve, and
Don’t worry, our dentists will thoroughly discuss your options!
Crowns
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped cap that is placed over a tooth. A crown is made of porcelain, ceramic, porcelain fused with metal or gold (primarily used for back teeth). Crowns are often used when a tooth has decayed, or is cracked/broken. Depending on how much of your tooth has decayed, we may need to build up your tooth to stabilize it, prior to placing the crown.
Insurance typically covers a portion of the cost of a crown. Cost can vary depending on the crown material, and whether additional dental work is necessary to prepare the tooth before the crown is placed.
Veneers
Veneers are very thin ‘shields’ that are bonded to the visible surface of the teeth. Veneers are made of either composite resin or porcelain materials. They enhance a tooth’s appearance because they can ‘change’ the color, size & shape of the tooth. Veneers can fix a host of cosmetic flaws and look most like natural teeth.
Resin veneers can typically be placed in a single dental visit, while porcelain veneers require molds of the teeth which are then sent to a dental laboratory to be made. A temporary veneer is placed until the porcelain veneers are ready.
Since a veneer only covers the surface portion of a tooth, the rest of the tooth is still exposed and is subject to the elements, and thus decay may occur.
Crowns vs. Veneers – Which one is right for me?
Crowns vs. Veneers, now it’s time to decide. Crowns and veneers can fix a number of aesthetic issues. Crowns are often used to support oral health—especially in the case of tooth decay. Porcelain veneers beautifully mimic natural teeth. Regardless of whether crowns or veneers are placed, you can be assured of a beautiful, health smile.
If you’re contemplating improving your smile, call Fioritto Family Dental today to schedule an appointment to discuss your options!