Veneers vs. Dental Crowns: Two Ways to Enhance Your Smile
Dental crowns have been a mainstay of dentistry for decades, allowing patients to cover a wide variety of dental flaws by fitting a dental crown over a compromised tooth. In recent years, porcelain veneers have become an increasingly popular way to camouflage cosmetic concerns such as chips, cracks, and discoloration. Dr. Eugene D. Stanislaus of Brooklyn Heights Dental® in Brooklyn Heights, NY, can help you determine the best procedure for you when debating veneers vs. crowns.
Altering Your Teeth
Porcelain dental crowns and porcelain veneers can perform a similar function because they are often made from attractive porcelain. Dental crowns completely cover a tooth after it has been altered and reduced in size to accommodate the restorations. Alterations to a tooth for crown placement are usually extensive, indefinitely requiring a prosthetic on that tooth for it to properly function.
Alternatively, veneers are porcelain shells that fit over the front surface of a tooth. In some instances, usually using ultra-thin veneers like LUMINEERS®, the tooth is minimally altered, if at all. This means that the veneers may be removed later, and the tooth is sufficiently strong to stand on its own.
and solely cosmetic treatment.
When Crowns Are the best Choice
A crown not only improves the appearance of a tooth, but it also gives it additional strength. Because this type of restoration covers the entire tooth, it is usually the better option when the tooth has endured decay or trauma. Common conditions that require a crown include cracked teeth or teeth that have undergone a root canal procedure. A crown can also restore shape to teeth with severe wear or irregularities in shape.
and solely cosmetic treatment.
When Veneers Are a Better Option
Since veneers are thin shells of porcelain, they do not provide the structural support a crown does. Therefore, veneers are used for purely cosmetic purposes. Thanks to their versatility and natural appearance, veneers have become the preferred treatment for minor cosmetic issues, such as:
- Stained or discolored teeth
- Chipped teeth
- Minor misalignment
- Small gaps between your teeth
- Asymmetrical or misshapen teeth
Our team can review your smile and determine if your concerns can be addressed with this more conservative option.
Veneer placement requires minimal restructuring of a tooth, compared to a crown, and is the preferred treatment for a wide variety of cosmetic flaws.
Costs & Durability
Thanks to improvements in dental technology, today’s crowns last up to 15 years, or more. The lifespan of your crown will largely depend on the materials used to craft it, and how you care for it. Depending on your oral health needs and insurance plan, a dental crown can run prove less costly than veneers. Generally speaking, veneers are a little more expensive than crowns. A veneer is a solely cosmetic solution not typically covered by insurance, but can provide significant results for up to 10 years or more. You can improve the durability of your veneer, as well as your crown, by flossing and brushing daily, and seeing your dentist at least twice a year for checkups and cleanings.
Find the Right Option for Your Smile
Whether you have one tooth that needs shoring up, or several that need structural and cosmetic enhancement, Dr. Stanislaus can rejuvenate your smile. Learn more about your crown and veneer options by calling us today at (877) 738-9424, or contacting us online.
