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THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN VENEERS AND CROWNS
WHICH WOULD YOU BENEFIT FROM?
Both veneers and crowns can help improve the appearance of your teeth — but how do you know which one is a better option for you? While they have some similarities, veneers and crowns offer different solutions to different problems. Veneers are designed primarily for cosmetic purposes because they cover the front of the tooth. Crowns, on the other hand, cover and protect the entire tooth. Understanding both of these restorative solutions can help you determine which you may benefit from.
All About Veneers
A veneer is a wafer-thin, stain-resistant shell that is applied to the surface of the tooth during a noninvasive procedure. Your dentist will file down less than a millimeter of the enamel to prepare the natural tooth, leaving most of it intact. Then they will place the custom-made shell on the surface to improve the tooth’s color, shape, and size.
Veneers are made of dental porcelain or composite resin and are typically about one millimeter thick. Each veneer will be customized to your natural tooth to give you the most authentic (and perfect) smile possible. Because these are considered cosmetic, insurance is unlikely to cover the cost of veneers. However, veneers typically last between ten and fifteen years, so they are definitely a good investment!
All About Crowns
Crowns cover the tooth entirely and are often used to restore a tooth that has been significantly damaged. If your tooth is badly decayed or cracked, a crown may be a good option for you. Crowns can also hold a dental bridge in place or cover a dental implant if needed.
Depending on the type of damage, the dentist may need to rebuild part of the tooth in order to support the crown. Crowns are designed to cover your tooth and can be made from porcelain, all-metal alloy, or porcelain fused to a metal alloy. Dental insurance may cover some of the cost of the crown. Crowns typically last for fifteen to twenty years, depending on care and hygiene habits.
Which Will you benefit from?
Veneers and crowns are both restorative treatments that can help improve the look of your teeth, but they are typically applied for very different reasons. If your tooth has been damaged in some way, then a crown is likely your best bet. This will provide the best protection for your tooth. If your tooth is severely cracked, has significant decay, or a large filling without a lot of tooth left, a crown might be the solution for you.
On the other hand, if your tooth is mostly intact, you may choose a veneer. This is the better solution for cosmetic concerns like improving a tooth’s appearance or correcting its shape. If your tooth has been discolored, worn down, or chipped, but is otherwise healthy, you may benefit from a veneer.