A nice, charming smile is something everyone wants. It allows for a confident demeanour, especially in the workplace and social events. Even looking in the mirror at home can brighten your day as you gaze at your beautiful smile every morning.
But how do you get that radiant smile if you have discoloured, broken, or missing teeth?
Dental crowns and veneers are the primary options when evaluating your situation. Both can dramatically enhance your smile, but they do serve different purposes.
Dental Crowns
Crowns are full-coverage restorations. They are typically used with cases of severely damaged, root-canaled or decayed teeth.
Crowns completely cover the affected tooth or teeth. They blend in with natural teeth, especially in the front of the mouth. Crowns are usually made of ceramic, porcelain, or metal. They protect and strengthen teeth that are too damaged to be filled.
To install a crown, the dentist removes the damaged section of the old tooth, reshapes it, and then secures the crown over the remaining core of the tooth. The process requires precise work for the crown to blend in with the surrounding teeth. The crown is then secured with a permanent type of dental glue. Crowns are made to be durable and last a long time.
Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are thin shells that cover only the front of the teeth. They are usually chosen for cosmetic purposes and can provide a natural-looking smile.
One advantage of veneers is that they require less preparation than crowns. Someone with severely damaged front teeth would be better suited for a crown. If the teeth are in relatively good condition, veneers may be the way to go.
How Do You Decide?
You and your dentist will discuss which of the two options best suits you. In many cases, if a tooth is severely damaged, a crown is the only choice.
Another factor you’ll need to consider is cost. Crowns may be partially covered by dental insurance, but the amount of coverage varies depending on the individual policy. Veneers, on the other hand, are most likely paid out of pocket. Although restorations are costly and completely different, both have a high success rate.
Crowns and veneers both improve the appearance of the front teeth. As discussed previously, each choice has both benefits and tradeoffs. The main difference is that veneers are more conservative and require less tooth preparation.
Pros for Crown
- Long-lasting (10 to 15 years)
- Shield the entire tooth from damage and decay
- Allow for regular day-to-day activity without the fear of it coming loose
- Restore normal form and function
- Aid in the realignment of surrounding teeth
- Porcelain crowns have a more natural look: seamless and colour-matched to the rest of the teeth
- More stain-resistant than natural teeth
- Partially covered by many insurance providers
Pros for Veneers
- Minimally invasive, with only a very thin layer of porcelain to be removed
- Translucent quality allowing for a natural look and blends well with the surrounding teeth
- Ideal for minor flaws like chips, gaps, and stains
Both options serve a purpose, but in most cases, your dentist will recommend one over the other. Results from both have high success rates. Before moving forward, be sure to discuss your options with your dentist and determine what, if any, insurance coverage is available for the procedure.
If you have questions about crowns or veneers or want to discuss improving your smile, call us now!
