Dr. Ash Sagar 
Dental crowns and veneers are two popular dental restoration and cosmetic procedures that can help you achieve a beautiful smile. However, there are differences between these two procedures that make the other one a better option. This blog post will briefly discuss the pros and cons of each dental treatment to help you decide which one better meets your needs.
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What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover an entire tooth to restore its shape, size, colour, and strength. They fully encase the visible portion of a tooth and are typically used to manage teeth that have sustained structural damage. Crowns can also be used for aesthetic purposes, such as covering discoloured teeth or minor gaps between the teeth. These dental appliances can be made from porcelain, metal, resin, or a combination of different materials.
There are two types of dental crowns: same-day crowns and traditional ones. Same-day crown uses CEREC or Chairside Economical Restoration of Esthetic Ceramics to custom make your crowns. As the name suggests, the entire process takes only one dental appointment. Your dentist will use a digital scanner to take an impression of the affected tooth and then use a software program to design your crown. However, note that same-day crowns are less durable than traditional ones.
A traditional dental crown is made from an impression of your tooth sent to a dental lab. They will create your crown, and in 2-3 weeks, you will return to the dental clinic for your crown placement. Your dentist will place a temporary crown to protect your prepared tooth while you wait for the final one.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of a Dental Crown?
Here’s a summary of the benefits and drawbacks of dental crowns:
Advantages
- They can help address a wide range of dental problems like cracked, chipped, misshapen teeth, and weak teeth.
- They can also be used to cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal treatment.
- They can replace large worn-out fillings before they break.
- They can make a discoloured tooth look natural.
- They can be used to cover dental implants.
- They can last longer than veneers with proper care.
Disadvantages
- This dental procedure is irreversible because your natural tooth will need to be shaved down to accommodate the crown.
- They can be expensive.
- After the procedure, your teeth can become more sensitive to hot or cold temperatures that can last for weeks.
- Cavities and tooth decay can still develop under the crown if you don’t practise good oral hygiene.
What Are Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells of tooth-coloured materials bonded to the front of your tooth surface using dental cement. Like crowns, veneers are used to improve the appearance of your smile by changing the colour, shape, and size of your teeth, and they are usually used for cosmetic purposes.
However, they can also help address minor dental issues, such as cracked or broken teeth, crooked teeth, badly stained teeth, misalignment, and gaps between teeth. They can also be used for minor shape corrections.
According to the materials used, there are different types of veneers, including porcelain, ceramic, and composite resin. Porcelain is the most popular choice for patients who want less removal of the natural tooth structure of their teeth. On the other hand, the composite resin is usually suitable for those patients looking for a more affordable option.
What Are The Advantages And Disadvantages Of Dental Veneers?
Below are the pros and cons of dental veneers:
Advantages
- They can cover minor tooth cracks, chips, and discolourations.
- They are a less invasive treatment than dental crowns because only a small amount of tooth enamel is removed, leaving more original teeth intact.
- They are more aesthetically pleasing than crowns because they show less gum margin.
- They can be less expensive than crowns.
- Porcelain veneers are highly resistant to staining.
Disadvantages
- Like crowns, there is also a need to shave down some tooth enamel to accommodate veneers.
- They can still stain over time, especially veneers made of resin composite.
- They are more prone to chipping than crowns and can become loose, especially if you have poor dental hygiene or teeth grinding.
- Dental veneers can make teeth more sensitive to heat and cold.
- They are not recommended for people with more severe teeth issues.
When Should I Get Dental Crowns Instead Of Veneers?
Crowns may be a better option if:
- You have severely damaged teeth.
- You have had a root canal procedure.
- You have a large filling.
- You want a longer-lasting option.
When Should I Get Veneers Instead of Crowns?
The following are the reasons why dental veneers may be the better treatment for you and your dental health:
- You want a less invasive procedure.
- You want a more aesthetically pleasing result.
- You’re looking for a more affordable option.
- Your tooth damage is not too severe.
Final Thoughts
Cosmetic veneers and crowns are excellent treatments in restorative and cosmetic dentistry that help address teeth imperfections to achieve a more beautiful smile. They can be your options for addressing worn-out and damaged teeth, minor tooth alignment issues, gaps, and severe discolourations. After assessing your situation, your dentist can help determine which is right for you.
Book an initial appointment with us if you want to improve your smile but still have questions about crowns vs. veneers.
Narre Warren Dental Centre is a well-established dental clinic providing quality dental care to the community. We are equipped with state-of-the-art dental technology to help us efficiently provide dental crowns and veneers. We also have a team of dentists who have been performing these dental treatments for years. During your dental visit, we will thoroughly assess your oral health to see if you’re a good candidate for the procedure. We sit down with you to answer all your questions about dental crowns vs. veneers so you can decide which treatment is suitable for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
This depends on a few factors, such as your location and dentist, materials used, how many crowns you require, and whether or not you have dental insurance. On average, you can expect to pay up to $2,100 per tooth for porcelain and ceramic crowns. Your dentist can provide a more accurate quote after your initial dental appointment.
Some private health insurance providers can pay a portion of your treatment as part of their Major Dental Plan. Check with your provider beforehand to see what you’re covered for.
Like dental crowns, this varies on some factors. On average, you can expect to pay up to \$2,500 per tooth for porcelain veneers and up to $1,650 per tooth for composite veneers. Note that these prices can vary depending on your situation. Ask your dentist for a more accurate quote before deciding to avoid financial surprises.
Though it’s considered a cosmetic procedure, veneers may be covered by some private health insurance. But they will only pay a portion of the total cost, and you may still have to pay out-of-pocket and great a reimbursement after a certain period of time. Contact your insurance company and ask about your policy.
