Crowns vs. Veneers: Choosing the Best Option for Your Smile
When it comes to enhancing your smile, crowns and veneers are two of the most popular choices. But how do you know which one is right for you? While both improve the appearance of your teeth, they serve different purposes and involve distinct procedures.
Let’s break it down so you can make the best choice for your smile.
What Are Crowns and Veneers?
A crown (or dental cap) is a tooth-shaped cover that encases the entire tooth, restoring its size, shape, and strength. It’s ideal for teeth that are heavily damaged, weakened, or have undergone root canal treatment.
A veneer, on the other hand, is a thin shell of porcelain or composite resin that covers only the front surface of the tooth. It’s primarily used for cosmetic improvements, like fixing discolouration, minor misalignment, or small chips.
When Would You Need One Over the Other?
Your cosmetic dental care specialist will help you decide on what is right, depending on your desires and requirements. Still, it is better to be informed on the treatments you seek out. When weighing both options, here’s why you would need one over the other.
Choose a crown if:
- Your tooth is significantly cracked, broken, or decayed.
- You’ve had a root canal and need to protect the tooth.
- You have severe enamel erosion.
- You need to improve both function and appearance.
Go for veneers if:
- Your teeth are healthy, but you want a cosmetic enhancement.
- You have stubborn stains that whitening can’t fix.
- You want to close small gaps or fix slightly uneven teeth.
- You prefer a minimally invasive option.
Advantages of Each Option
Crowns
- Strengthens damaged or weak teeth
- Covers severe discolouration or irregularities
- Long lasting (10-15 years)
- Protection from further damage
Veneers
- Provides a natural, aesthetic finish
- Requires less tooth shaping than crowns
- Resists staining better than natural teeth
- Can dramatically enhance the appearance of your smile
The Procedure: What to Expect
Both treatments require multiple steps but differ in how much of your natural tooth is altered.
For Crowns:
- The dentist reshapes the tooth to fit the crown.
- An impression is taken, and a temporary crown is placed.
- The permanent crown is custom-made and fitted during a second visit.
For Veneers:
- A thin layer of enamel (usually less than 1mm) is shaved off from the front of the tooth.
- An impression is taken, and temporary veneers may be placed.
- The final veneers are bonded to the teeth using strong dental cement.
Both procedures typically take two appointments, but some clinics offer same-day crowns using advanced technology.
FAQs
1. Are crowns or veneers more expensive?
Veneers are generally more expensive per tooth, but crowns can be costlier when multiple teeth need treatment due to their functional benefits.
2. Do crowns and veneers feel different?
Not really! Both should feel natural once you get used to them. Crowns cover the whole tooth, while veneers just sit on the front, so there may be a slight difference in thickness.
3. Can veneers be placed on any tooth?
Veneers work best on front teeth. For molars or teeth that bear heavy chewing pressure, crowns are a better choice.
4. How do I take care of them?
Brush and floss as you would with natural teeth. Avoid biting into hard foods (like ice or hard candies) to prevent damage. Regular dental check-ups are essential to maintain them.
5. Which option lasts longer?
Crowns tend to last longer (10–15 years or more) compared to veneers (7–10 years), but both can last even longer with proper care.
The Verdict on Which is Right for You?
If your tooth is structurally compromised, a crown is your best bet for strength and longevity. If your teeth are healthy but need a cosmetic upgrade, veneers are the way to go. Either way, a consultation with a dentist at PMD Dental will help determine the best option based on your needs.
Want to perfect your smile? Book a consultation today and take the first step towards a confident, radiant look!