Veneers vs. Crowns: Which One’s Right for Your Smile?

Making decisions for your oral health requires a lot of thought and research. If you want to restore your teeth and enhance their appearance, you may have trouble deciding between veneers and crowns. Both services are equally capable of improving the look and function of your smile! However, there are some notable differences you should take into consideration when making your final decision. With that in mind, here’s what you should know about the differences between the two services and learn how to choose the best one for your smile.

What Are Veneers?

Veneers are ultra-thin sheaths of dental-grade porcelain or ceramic. They’re attached to the front-facing surfaces of your teeth, hiding any imperfection from view. It’s an excellent solution for patients with multiple aesthetic concerns as veneers are capable of addressing several problems, including staining, discoloration, chips, cracks, gaps, and even misalignment. Even though it’s not recommended, veneers can be placed on molars (or the back teeth) as well. However, this is rarely done because the molars are exposed to a lot of force when chewing.

What Are Crowns?

Unlike veneers, dental crowns are three-dimensional restorations that can be made from several different materials. Oftentimes, dentists will make them from natural-looking porcelain or ceramic because they can be easily customized to match the size, color, and shape of the surrounding teeth. If your teeth are several decayed or damaged, a dental crown may be the best course of action for your smile. It’ll allow you to enjoy improved oral health and an enhanced appearance.

Key Differences Between Veneers and Crowns

Before making a final plan to transform your smile, here are some differences you should consider:

• Shape – A veneer is a wafer-thin shell that covers the visible portion of a tooth, while a crown is a three-dimensional restoration that encases an entire tooth.
• Purpose – Since veneers are designed to hide flaws, they’re mainly used for cosmetic purposes. However, crowns can improve the look of your smile while simultaneously restoring the function and strength of damaged or decayed teeth.
• Cost – Most dental insurance plans won’t offer coverage for veneers because they’re not considered medically necessary. Since crowns are used for restorative purposes, your plan will likely partially cover having one placed.
• Timing – Veneers usually require two appointments, while crowns will need more. The exact timeline depends on the type of crown you choose.

How to Choose the Right One for Your Smile

It’s incredibly important that you take into consideration your oral health needs and goals. If you have a large filling, root canal, or a cracked tooth, you may benefit from a dental crown. It will help keep the tooth intact and prevent further damage. Meanwhile, patients with relatively minor cosmetic issues may want to consider veneers. They’re capable of masking almost any imperfection while improving your appearance.

If you’re still struggling to make a decision, don’t hesitate to reach out to your dentist in Odessa. They’ll perform a thorough oral examination to help you decide on the best treatment option for your smile!

About the Author

Dr. Steve Cobb is passionate about helping his patients achieve a better overall quality of life. Best of all, he enjoys educating his patients on oral health to help them make confident and informed decisions. Dr. Cobb earned his Doctorate of Dental Surgery at Baylor School of Dentistry and is currently a proud member of several professional organizations, including the American Dental Association. If you need help choosing between veneers or crowns, he’s more than happy to provide expert advice. You can schedule a consultation with Dr. Cobb via his website or call (432) 367-4774.