When you need to restore your smile, veneers and crowns can both be very good options. But which one is the best choice for you? The answer depends on the specifics of your unique situation. Your dentist can help you determine the procedure that’s right for your smile, but in the meantime, here are the basics of what you need to know when comparing veneers and crowns.
What are Veneers and Crowns?
Veneers are thin shells that are typically made out of porcelain. Meanwhile, crowns are tooth-shaped caps that can be composed of a variety of materials. Both can be used to cover your natural teeth. However, a veneer is specifically made to cover the front side of the tooth while a crown covers the entire dental structure.
What are the Differences Between Veneers and Crowns?
In addition to their overall shape, there are several other important differences between veneers and crowns:
- Veneers are typically considered a cosmetic treatment and are used to hide stains, chips, and other imperfections on the teeth that are visible when you smile. While crowns can be cosmetic, they also have restorative purposes; they are made to help protect and strengthen damaged teeth so that they can still function properly.
- Both procedures involve removing a small amount of enamel from your natural teeth to make room for the restorations. However, less enamel needs to be taken out to place veneers, making them a more conservative option.
- Insurance typically won’t pay for veneers since they’re purely cosmetic. On the other hand, you can usually expect crowns to be partially covered as long as they perform a restorative function.
Which One is Right for You?
Veneers are typically an excellent choice when you’re looking to make strictly aesthetic changes to your smile. By placing veneers over specific teeth, you can make multiple improvements to the shape and color of your grin.
On the other hand, crowns are the better option when the damage to your teeth qualifies as an oral health issue. For example, if your teeth were broken or cracked in an accident, a crown can be used to repair the damage. You might also receive this type of restoration after completing root canal therapy in order to protect the treated tooth.
The best way to know for sure whether veneers or crowns are right for you is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can carefully examine your teeth, consider the overall state of your oral health, and determine which kind of restoration is the most suitable option for helping you enjoy a beautiful, fully functional smile again.
About the Author
Dr. Walter Mick has over three decades’ worth of dental experience. After earning his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the Ohio State University School of Dentistry, he completed his general practice residency at University Hospitals of the Ohio State University in Columbus. At Mick Family Dental Care in Reynoldsburg, he can improve smiles with both veneers and dental crowns. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Mick, visit his website or call (614) 864-4618.