Cosmetic Dental Crowns Vs. Veneers

If you want to improve the look of your smile and even restore its health, there are lots of different procedures your Sunbury dentist offers.

Two very popular ways to improve the way your teeth look are cosmetic dental crowns and veneers. So which one might work best for you? First let’s cover the differences between the two options. 

The Differences Between Crowns and Veneers

To get a better idea of which procedure you may benefit most from, check out this side-by-side comparison:

• Procedure - Both veneers and dental crowns are permanent procedures. However, veneers are less invasive than crowns, as you’ll only need to shave a bit of the tooth’s enamel to create a rough surface texture, which allows the veneer to bond with the tooth. By comparison, the tooth needs to be completely reshaped for a dental crown, which essentially acts as an artificial cap;

• Purpose - Veneers have a cosmetic purpose, whereas crows are used to restore a damaged tooth. While veneers can help restore the function of a tooth in cases of minor cracks and chips, it needs a generally-healthy tooth. Dental crowns are an effective way to replace a damaged tooth that’s been fractured or even infected;

• Tooth protection - Veneers only cover the front surface of the natural tooth, leaving the rest exposed to bacteria and food debris. A crown will cover the entire reshaped tooth and offer it more protection, although good oral hygiene habits are still essential;

• Durability - Both crowns and veneers offer long-term results. With the right care, the prosthetics can last around 15 years, maybe even longer;

• Tooth placement - In general, veneers are used to cover the front teeth, while dental crowns are used to restore back ones used while chewing;

• Price - Veneers are more affordable than dental crowns. For instance, 1 veneer can cost around $800-$1000, while a crown can cost $1000-1500. However, since veneers are a cosmetic procedure, they are usually not covered by dental insurance, while crowns can be if they are used to restore a tooth.

Which One Do You Need? Shine Dental Can Help You Find Out!

The primary criteria used to determine which procedure is better for you lies in the health of your tooth. 

If it’s healthy, and you only want to improve its appearance, then veneers are the obvious choice. If the tooth is damaged, then a cosmetic crown may be necessary instead.

But the best way to know for sure what’s the best way to restore both the look and function of your smile is to see Dr. Katelyn Miller at Shine Dental for a consultation. During your assessment, Dr. Miller can make note of all your oral health concerns and determine the best course of action to improve your oral health.

To get started, please book an appointment at Shine Dental online, or call our office at 740-936-3083 for a short chat.