If you want to conceal damage to your teeth, your dentist may have mentioned two treatments: dental crowns and veneers. While crowns and dental veneers both fall under the umbrella of restorative dentistry, they are two very different treatments. The decision ultimately depends on the extent of the damage, but if you’re torn between a crown vs veneer – we can help.
Not sure how they differ? In short, a dental crown covers the entire tooth, whereas a veneer covers just the front surface. Both treatments improve the appearance of a tooth and, when done well, can be a life-saving cosmetic procedure. So without further ado, let’s dive into today’s post with a side-by-side comparison of dental crowns and veneers.
Crown vs Veneer – Appearance
Crowns
Dental crowns are one of the most commonly used procedures in restorative dentistry. Often referred to as a cap, a crown encases the whole of the visible part of a tooth.
Dentists use dental crowns in general dentistry to strengthen decayed or broken teeth and protect them from further damage. They also accompany root canal treatment to strengthen the weakened tooth. Cosmetic dentists also use dental crowns to alter a natural tooth’s shape, size and colour.
Dental crowns can be applied to improve the appearance of your teeth when there is insufficient tooth structure to support veneers, yet still, create your dream smile. Moreover, crowns are incredibly versatile, which is why they are one of the go-to treatments in restorative dentistry.
Veneers
Dental veneers are wafer-thin shells made from tooth-coloured material placed on the front surface of teeth to disguise irregularities in the smile and flaws such as chips, fine cracks and discolouration. They instantly transform their appearance and boost confidence, whether your teeth are protruding, slightly crooked, or gapped.
Crown vs Veneer – Materials
Crowns
Dental crowns are available in a wide range of materials, including porcelain, stainless steel, gold, or a combination of porcelain and metal. The type of crown used depends on the extent of the damage and the location in the mouth. While some people like the appearance of gold crowns, many prefer a more natural-looking porcelain crown, particularly if the affected tooth is in the front of the mouth. Stainless steel dental crowns are typically recommended to restore molar teeth that need to withstand the pressure from chewing.
Veneers
Dental veneers come in two main types: composite and porcelain. Composite veneers are the least expensive and are created from tooth-coloured resin (the same material used for white dental fillings). Porcelain dental veneers are made from porcelain which has a similar appearance to the natural tooth enamel as it reflects the light to give a lifelike appearance. It is virtually impossible to distinguish a porcelain veneer from a natural tooth when done well.
Crown vs Veneer – The Process
Crowns
Typically the process for traditional dental crowns involves two dental visits. The first visit is to prepare the tooth for a crown by filing down its top and sides and taking an impression to create a mould from which the crown will be fabricated in a dental lab. The prepared tooth is covered with a temporary crown, and the patient will return in a few weeks to have the temporary crown removed and replaced with a custom permanent crown.
Here at No Gaps Dental, we’re pleased to offer patients the option of a single-day CEREC crown that can be designed, created and applied in one dental visit. You can walk into one of our clinics for treatment and walk out the same day with an exquisite CEREC crown. No temporary crown and no weeks of waiting!
Veneers
The procedure for dental veneers depends on the type of material. Composite veneers, for example, are created by the dentist directly on the tooth’s surface and can be completed in a single dental visit. Tooth-coloured resin is layered onto the affected tooth, moulded and shaped before being hardened with a special blue light. Very little, if any, tooth preparation is required.
On the other hand, porcelain dental veneers require a minimum of two dental visits. During the first visit, the affected teeth are prepared by removing a thin sliver of tooth enamel (the same thickness as the veneer) to ensure the veneer does not protrude or impede the patient’s bite. An impression is taken of the prepared teeth from which the custom veneers will be fabricated.
Temporary veneers are fitted while the patent waits for their permanent veneers. At the second visit, the ‘temporaries’ are removed, and the teeth are etched to help with adhesion. The dental veneers are tried on for size and colour before the dentist permanently bonds them.
Crown vs Veneer – Longevity
Regarding longevity, both types of restorative dentistry have pretty high survival rates. Dental crowns have an average lifespan of 11 years, whilst according to one study, porcelain dental veneers have an estimated survival rate of 94.4% after 5 years, 93.5% at 10 years, and 82.93% at 20 years. However, when crowns and veneers are well done and with good patient care, longevity can be extended.
Crown vs Veneer – The Takeaway
When deciding between crowns and veneers, it depends on the condition of your teeth and the results you are trying to achieve. As a rule of thumb, crowns in restorative dentistry are for patients with large fillings, worn or cracked teeth and root canals. On the other hand, dental veneers are mainly for those seeking cosmetic enhancement with a less invasive procedure.
Need more help deciding between a crown vs a veneer?
If you require restorative dentistry, why not schedule an appointment with experienced dentists at No Gaps Dental? We utilise the latest materials and techniques in our bespoke dental crowns and veneers. Call us on (02) 8007 6727 today.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Colgate – What is CEREC in Dentistry
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/dental-visits/what-is-cerec-in-dentistry#:~:text=CEREC%20(Chairside%20Economical%20Restoration%20of,teeth)%20from%20decay%20or%20injury.
PubMed.Gov – Clinical Performance of Porcelain Laminate Veneers For up to 20 Years
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22259802/