You might have heard of veneers and crowns, but what are they? An established dental practice will provide the installation of both veneers and crowns. And with so many options available to customers, which one should you choose? With veneers vs crowns, it all comes down to what suits your unique dental needs, and which option is most cosmetically appealing to you.
In this post, we will explore some of the differences between veneers and crowns. We will also discuss why you would choose to get one over the other. Finally, we will talk about how to get a dental consultation to select the best fit.
Veneers: The What and Why
A veneer is defined as a layer of material put on top of another surface. So, a dental veneer is a layer made of a custom, razor-thin material attached to the front surface of a tooth. Your dentist can apply veneers on as many teeth as necessary. Although the benefit is primarily cosmetic, veneers also protect your tooth’s surface from wear and damage.
A dental technician will craft a custom veneer for you based on the shape and size of your unique tooth from either porcelain or composite resin material.
Dentists recommend veneers when you have a mainly cosmetic concern with your teeth. If you have broken or chipped teeth, a veneer might suit you. You may also get a veneer if the shape of your teeth is unusual or pointed, or the enamel is wearing out.
Since a veneer sits on the front of your teeth, they also help if you have teeth with uneven gaps. They also help if your teeth are smaller than average, giving you the appearance of length and improving your smile.
Crowns: More Coverage vs Veneers
Compared to veneers, dental crowns are more involved. If your teeth are broken, chipped, or worn quite severely, a dental crown placed around the affected teeth shields them from further damage.
Another name for a dental crown is a “cap.” A broken or decayed tooth may need a root canal, after which the dentist places a dental implant with a crown in its place.
Like veneers, crowns come in porcelain or resin composite materials, although they can also be metal alloys. A technician custom-fabricates them based on the individual tooth. The process is more involved for the technician. Along with an impression of the affected tooth, the shape of the teeth above or below it is also vital. This happens to ensure your bite remains unaffected.
Conclusion: Choosing Veneers vs Crowns
Which option you choose depends entirely on your needs. Veneers are primarily a cosmetic solution. Crowns serve as a solution for teeth that require repair or protection from further wear. Both solutions may be costly, and your insurance may not cover veneers.
At Dynamic Dental Solutions, we make sure to give you a personalized recommendation on which option is best for your individual needs. Don’t hesitate to give us a call at (281) 837-9090, and our expert dentists will be happy to help.