Dental veneers and dental crowns are common treatments that can improve the function and look of your teeth. However, each treatment plays a different role in helping restore your smile. Dental veneers are a cosmetic procedure designed to conceal flaws. Dental crowns are a restorative treatment that can improve the health of your teeth in addition to boosting their appearance.
Learn more about what is the difference between veneers and crowns, each restoration’s pros and cons, and the ideal candidates for the treatments. Knowing the differences between veneers and crowns can help you determine what treatment choice is right for you.
What is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns: The Veneers Procedure
A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain bonded to the front of your existing tooth. Dental veneers are not as invasive as dental crowns, leaving more of your original tooth intact.
While getting veneers typically takes two to three dental visits, No Gaps Dental uses same-day CEREC dental restorations to complete the entire process in a single visit.
Once your dentist has determined that you are a good candidate for cosmetic veneers, they will remove 0.5mm of tooth enamel to create a space for the veneer to adhere, so it does not inhibit your bite.
Your dentist uses an intraoral camera to take digital images of your teeth to create the veneers. The data is sent to the on-site milling machine that uses CAD/CAM technology to craft your veneers.
Once the veneers are ready, your dentist applies a bonding gel and cements the permanent veneers in place.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Veneers?
If you’re looking to change the appearance of your teeth, you might be a candidate for dental veneers. Cosmetic veneers are an excellent way to disguise chipped, cracked, or stained teeth and leave you with the smile you’ve always wanted.
Good candidates for veneers include those with significant staining, minor chips or cracks, short or mismatched teeth, or wear and tear from aging. Since dental veneers are a cosmetic restoration procedure, candidates must have healthy teeth and gums to proceed. You may require dental work before the addition of dental veneers.
Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers
There are several advantages and disadvantages to consider before deciding on dental veneers.
Pros of dental veneers
- Whiten teeth instantly
- Increase the strength of your teeth long-term
- Change the shape and colour of teeth
- They look natural
Cons of dental veneers
- Since getting dental veneers is a cosmetic procedure, it may not be covered by dental insurance. No Gaps Dental offers affordable fees and payment plans to ensure you get the dental care you need.
- You may not be a good candidate. Individuals with significant dental issues may not qualify for the procedure.
- Dental veneers are irreversible.
- You may have to replace your dental veneers after ten years.
What is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns: The Dental Crown Procedure
When comparing veneers vs crowns, it is essential to consider whether you need cosmetic or restorative dental work. While veneers are highly effective for colour correction, dental crowns can restore the health of teeth that have been damaged by tooth decay or injury.
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps used to protect, cover, and restore the shape of your teeth. Unlike a veneer, a dental crown covers the entire tooth, strengthening the tooth and restoring structural integrity and improving the appearance of your smile.
To prepare your teeth for dental crowns, your dentist shaves a small amount of enamel from the tooth and shapes the tooth to accommodate the crown. Then, they take digital scans of your mouth to send to the CEREC machine. Within 15 minutes, the milling machine creates the CEREC crown from a solid block of zirconia. Your No Gaps Dental dentist cements your crown in place, leaving you with a healthy, beautiful smile.
Who is a Candidate for Dental Crowns?
Your dentist may suggest a dental crown if you need to protect a weak tooth from decay or breakage, restore a broken tooth, or support a tooth with a large filling. Dental crowns can also cover misshapen or discoloured teeth, dental implants, or a tooth treated with a root canal.
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are a highly effective dental treatment, but like any procedure, there are drawbacks and benefits to consider.
Pros of dental crowns
- Dental crowns can restore strength and structure to damaged or cracked teeth.
- They can be used to replace multiple, large, or worn fillings.
- They can restore fractured or cracked teeth.
- Dental crowns improve the appearance of teeth by concealing discolouration and fixing minor alignment issues.
Cons of dental crowns
- Discomfort or sensitivity. A newly crowned tooth may be sensitive once the anaesthesia wears off.
- Risk of nerve damage. Because the dentist needs to shape the tooth before applying the crown, there is a risk that they may remove too much dental tissue and irritate a nerve.
- Crowns often cost more than dental veneers, depending on the materials used.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Which is Better?
When choosing between veneers vs crowns, it is essential to consider your oral health and smile goals. However, dental veneers are primarily cosmetic, while dental crowns are used for repair as well as aesthetic enhancement, making crowns a more versatile treatment option.
Dental crowns also offer longer-lasting results, typically only needing repairs or replacement every 15 to 20 years compared with every 10 years for dental veneers.
If you are ready to improve your smile, book an appointment at one of our 15 No Gaps Dental locations across Sydney by calling (02) 8007 6727 or using our convenient online booking form.
References
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference and Which One Is Right for You
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns
Everything You Need to Know Before Getting Veneers
https://forestparkdental.com/everything-you-need-to-know-before-getting-veneers/
The Pros and Cons of Dental Veneers
https://www.everydayhealth.com/dental-health/experts-pros-and-cons-of-veneers.aspx