Dental Crowns vs Dental Veneers: Which One is the Best Choice?

Dental caps and veneers are excellent dental restoration treatments that help in enhancing the functioning and appearance of teeth. Both have their own differences and function well in a few situations instead of others.

Veneers cover the front side of the patient’s teeth, while a crown covers the whole tooth. They are not invasive as dental crowns because their preparation leaves more of the real tooth unharmed. The dental professional uses a cap when you have badly discolored teeth, a large tooth missing, or worn-out teeth.

What is a Veneer?

Veneers give patients a perfect-looking tooth on the front side of the mouth. For the dental veneers to function appropriately, the patient needs to have sufficient enamel to bond them correctly to the tooth.

The dentist in Winter Haven removes about half a millimeter of enamel on the tooth’s front side to make the surface rough. The expert usually uses local anesthesia for it. However, advanced versions of dental veneers do not require much enamel removal.

What is a Crown?

A crown is a full coverage dental restoration that serves as a small helmet over the tooth. This protective shell is shaped like an original tooth and covers the whole tooth surface through the gum lining. The dental professional uses a dental cap when the front teeth are broken, cracked, have a big cavity, or have a root canal.

During the procedure, the dental expert removes the majority of the tooth for proper crown placement. In case of decay, the dentist will get rid of the decayed portion. In this case, it requires the manufacturing of a tooth to support the crown.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Crowns and Veneers

Here, we will discuss the pros and cons of each – veneer and crown.
Veneer Advantages
Compared to the crowns, dental veneers are much more aesthetically pleasing in their looks. They do not display a margin of gums after a few years of treatment. However, dental caps do this sometimes:

• Veneer teeth have less movement.
• Few of them do not mean a lot of enamel trimming.
• Can be customized as per the dental preferences of an individual.
• Veneer replaces the need for braces or teeth whitening (in a few cases).

Veneer Disadvantages

• Dental veneers leave the majority of tooth areas exposed to tooth decay.
• They are irreversible.
• Composite veneers may last for 5 to 7 years but need replacement after some time.
• Dental insurance may not include a veneer.

Crown Advantages

• It protects the teeth with cracks more from decay as compared to veneers.
• A porcelain dental cap has the same functionality and appearance as real teeth.
• Crowns are permanent. So, they do not need removal while cleaning.
• Dental insurance may cover some part of the crown price.
• A dentist can install a crown on one or two teeth easily.

Crown Disadvantages

• Porcelain crowns may get damaged with time.
• The dentist removes most of your real tooth to make space for dental crown placement.
• You may face gum ache or tooth sensitivity after the treatment.
• A dental cap can be more invasive than a veneer.
• The dentist adds crowns to the tooth as per the requirement instead of the request made by the patient.

Front Teeth Crowns vs. Veneers

The veneer on the front teeth and crowns are both different. Both appear like original teeth. Dental veneers are usually designed for better functioning and look of teeth.

But they are not suitable for enhancing tooth functioning that is beyond repair. However, the crown improves the look while offering complete protection to the teeth when required.

Which One is Right for You?

Both options look the same from the outside. However, they both have different purposes. Dental veneers cover one tooth side. They aim to make the teeth appear aesthetically pleasing, but they do not offer structural reinforcement.

If you are tired of dealing with your cracked or worn-out tooth, big dental filling, a dental crown is the most appropriate choice for you. However, a veneer is the best choice if your tooth is well intact and you need minor cosmetic corrections. Only the dental near you will help you determine whether you need veneers or dental crowns.

Get Veneer Teeth Today

Choose veneers at Winter Haven Dental when you need a dramatic transformation to your affected tooth. Although porcelain veneers are expensive, the long-term advantages are undeniable.