When your teeth don’t look their best, this can keep you from feeling confident and comfortable with your smile. Fortunately, there are several options available to correct the look of your pearly whites, including dental crowns and porcelain veneers. Though both offer aesthetic benefits, how can you know whether veneers or crowns are the best option for your smile? Read on to learn about what they are and how to know which one you should get.
What Are Veneers?
Porcelain veneers are ultra-thin shells made from dental-grade porcelain that are cemented to the front-facing surface of one’s teeth. They are used to mask a range of imperfections, including cracked, chipped, stained, discolored, misshapen, and misaligned teeth. They require the removal of a thin layer of enamel to ensure that they fit snuggly and are indistinguishable from the rest of your pearly whites.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that completely encase the entire visible part of a tooth to improve the look and function. They can be made from a few different materials, including dental-grade porcelain. Each crown is customized to match the size, shape, and color of the surrounding teeth. The tooth will have to be reshaped to ensure that the crown fits over it without looking bulky or disrupting your bite. They are usually recommended for patients with a severely damaged or decayed tooth.
The Difference Between Veneers and Crowns
Now that you know what veneers and crowns are, how do they differ? A few noteworthy differences between the two include:
- Shape – Veneers are thin shells, and dental crowns are three-dimensional restorations that look just like the cap (visible part) of a tooth.
- Purpose – Veneers are primarily cosmetic, but dental crowns can be used for both cosmetic and restorative reasons.
- Cost – The cost of crowns and veneers depends on a range of factors, including how many you get, how long it takes, and how complex the procedure is. Since veneers are generally considered a cosmetic treatment, they won’t be covered by most dental insurance plans. On the other hand, crowns are used for both restorative and cosmetic purposes, so they are more likely to receive partial coverage.
- Timing – The exact time commitment will vary from case to case, but the process of getting crowns usually takes longer. Even so, both treatments can usually be completed in two appointments.
So, Should I Get Veneers or Crowns?
When deciding if you want to get porcelain veneers or crowns, consider your oral health needs and goals. For example, those who need to have a large cavity filled, require root canal therapy, or have a cracked tooth will likely need a dental crown to protect the tooth from further damage. If your smile issues are cosmetic and relatively minor, veneers may be the better choice.
Regardless of which treatment you’re leaning towards, make sure to speak with your dentist. They will be able to help you decide which one is the best fit for your smile!
About the Practice
If you’re considering getting veneers or crowns but don’t know which one is right for you, Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn are here to help. They lead a talented team of Putnam oral health professionals who can help you go over the pros and cons of each treatment and determine which one best fits your needs. If you’re ready to make an appointment with Drs. Carolyn and Walter McGinn or want more information on dental crowns and veneers, call them at (860) 928-3723 or visit their website.