Crowns vs. Veneers: Which Option is Right for You?

Veneers and Crowns

Veneers and crowns are both dental restoration methods that can improve the look and function of your teeth. The main difference is that a veneer can cover only the front of your tooth and a crown can cover the entire tooth. Veneers tend to come in one of three variations: porcelain, no-prep, or composite (chairside.) Porcelain offers the best durability and aesthetic results, making them the standard for most smile makeovers. Dental veneers are made of wafer-thin porcelain and other materials (about 1 millimeter thickness) that is bonded to the front of a tooth. The porcelain is color-matched to your natural teeth. Veneers are strong but brittle, and sharp or repeated impacts can dislodge or crack them. A crown, also known as tooth caps, are full-coverage restorations that act like a tiny little helmet that goes over your tooth. The protective shell covers the entire tooth surface all the way up to the gumline, completely sealing it underneath. It can be made of metal, porcelain or a combination of both. It is usually around 2 millimeters of thickness, making it more durable and resistant to cracking than a veneer.

Difference in Procedure

Deciding between veneers vs. crowns is actually a fairly straightforward process for most people. Veneers are a more conservative treatment than crowns. Less of the tooth needs to be removed in order to place a veneer. Your dentist will usually just remove a thin layer of tooth enamel from the front of the tooth and will not need to touch the core or the back of your tooth. Veneers are also being used to correct alignment, teeth being prepared for veneers may be accompanied with the more aggressive trimming characteristic of crowns. Crowns require between 60% and 75% of the existing visible tooth to be trimmed away before the crown is placed. This typically means two to four times as much tooth reduction as veneers.

When Are Veneers The Best Choice?

Veneers are a great choice when the issues you want to address are relatively minor and aesthetic in nature. Veneers are an excellent solution for problems such as badly stained teeth, chipped teeth, minor cracks in teeth, small gaps between the teeth and superficial misalignment. Veneers are just as permanent as a crown and shouldn’t be chosen on the basis that they are either temporary or reversible.

Advantages of Veneers:

• ✓ Addresses your entire smile zone at one time.
• ✓ Can replace the need for whitening or braces.
• ✓ Makes your smile look gorgeous!
• ✓ Tailored to your individual preference.

Disadvantages of Veneers:

• ✓ May need more budget.
• ✓ Usually non-reversible.
• ✓ You may need several of them at a time.

When Are Crowns The Best Choice?

Glendale dental crowns are the best choice when there are more fundamental issues with existing teeth. These situations include teeth that are badly broken or cracked, or where root canal treatment is needed. Once the crown is cemented firmly into place, it becomes the new outside surface for the tooth with the nub of the original tooth safely inside. Crowns are effective solutions for damaged teeth and can deliver a significant change in both the color and shape of existing teeth. Another situation where crowns are a better choice than veneers is where the edge of the tooth has been damaged by grinding.

Advantages of Crowns:

• ✓ Can be placed on just one or two teeth, instead of several.
• ✓ Enhances the tooth’s a[[earance while also protecting the weak structure.
• ✓ Protects teeth with cracks or cavities.
• ✓ Usually covered under your dental insurance policy.

Disadvantages of Crowns:

• ✓ Could have a visible metal base, depending on the design and materials used.
• ✓ More invasive to your tooth than a dental veneer.
• ✓ Typically placed on one tooth at a time.
• ✓ Used on an as-needed basis, rather than upon request.

Cosmetic Dentist Near Me

Are you still debating if you need crowns vs. veneers for your teeth? Don’t overthink! Definitely take a trip to a dental clinic in Glendale, CA. Both veneers and crowns can improve your smile and the function of your teeth. Both are costly procedures, especially when more than one tooth is involved. Whether you’re seeing a general dentist or one who focuses on cosmetic services, the best dentist in Glendale, CA can give you an honest opinion about which restoration is best. During your appointment, make sure that you discuss the dental crown cost or veneer cost with your dentist and your overall goal. If it’s to repair broken front teeth, crowns are the answer. Is it to cover multiple healthy teeth to change the way they look? Then veneers are your go-to choice. Does your grin need a boost? At Infinite Dental Wellness, we’re passionate about healthy, beautiful smiles. That’s why we provide the cosmetic, general and preventative dental services needed to create and maintain amazing smiles. If you have questions about deciding between dental veneers and crowns or would like to learn more about our services, contact us today at (818) 541-1110 to schedule an appointment or use our easy online booking tool.