Delaying dental repairs may deteriorate your oral health. Before this happens, dental procedures offer restorative and cosmetic solutions to any of your dental issues. Among these popular yet effective choices are veneers and crowns.
Veneers and crowns are two known options for enhancing the look and function of teeth. While these are best suited for different dental conditions, they are often expensive.
On average, Australians spend about $432 annually on dental services. This may staggeringly increase when opting for restorative procedures. As an investment in oral health, carefully consider which dental solution suits your needs and preferences.
In this article, we’ll learn the difference between veneers and crowns. Read on to make an informed decision about which option is ideal for your specific dental needs.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made shells often bonded to correct teeth imperfections. They perfectly cover the front surface of teeth that are chipped, stained, irregularly aligned, or gapped.
While it leaves most of your remaining teeth intact, dentists often roughen your enamel to bond the veneers. This leaves your teeth exposed to decay. That’s why it consists of non-porous porcelain or composite resin, which is highly resistant to chemicals and stains.
Both types, porcelain or composite resin, offer a natural tooth-like appearance. Composite veneers are versatile and affordable, making them a popular choice. However, they may not be as durable as porcelain or ceramic veneers.
Depending on your dental conditions, veneers are primarily chosen for aesthetic reasons. Its cosmetic purposes help to:
- Whiten teeth unresponsive to whitening treatments
- Achieve a whiter smile than teeth whitening
- Correct irregularly shaped, sized and spaced out teeth
- Cover crooked, chipped or broken teeth
- Reduce a noticeable gum margin
- Keeps smile consistently well-aligned
What Are Crowns?
Crowns act as caps, which may permanently cover an entire tooth. Similar to a protective shield, crowns cover decayed, chipped, cracked, or broken teeth, when fillings are not an option.
Getting crowns typically takes 1-2 dental visits. Your dentist prepares your tooth by scraping some of its enamel and copying its shape. A lab technician uses this impression to ensure the crown fits your tooth. Bonding these on your teeth often occurs on the second visit.
Aesthetically, porcelain crowns are highly durable and blend seamlessly with surrounding teeth. Metal crowns, mostly composed of gold or alloys, are your top consideration when opting for exceptional durability. They are often used for molars and premolars.
Best for therapeutic purposes, dental crowns also help you regain the size, strength, shape and look of your teeth. It’s mostly an ideal option for:
- Broken or cracked tooth – that crowns sheathe to provide aesthetic benefits.
- Severe decay – weakens tooth structure, so a crown is placed to restore stability.
- Fracture or weak tooth – can be strengthened by crowns to prevent further damage.
- Root canal treatment – which crowns seal to avoid further infections and harm.
- Dentures or bridges – where crowns hold these stable and always firmly in place.
Veneers vs. Crowns – Key Differences
Opting between veneers or crowns heavily relies on your specific dental needs. While crowns are ideal for more extensive damage, veneers are primarily for cosmetic improvements. Here are some key differences between the two:
Functionality
While both options resemble each other in appearance, veneers often conceal stains, chips, or gaps in teeth. They may enhance the strength and stability of the tooth structure but don’t significantly restore function.
Unlike veneers, dental crowns can restore the function and appearance of severely decayed or damaged teeth. They also strengthen weakened teeth, especially when using top-quality porcelain, ceramic, or metal compositions. This added strength may improve bite alignment.
Extent of Coverage
Veneers only cover a tooth’s front surface, exposing it to wear and tear. In contrast, crowns encase an entire tooth, providing full coverage and protection.
Durability and Longevity
Annual follow-up and oral hygiene significantly contribute to the long life of veneers and crowns. Veneers typically last for about 5-10 years. You may need to replace this sooner, especially when the underlying tooth and gum deteriorate, often due to excessive wear and tear.
Crowns are known to withstand excessive biting and may last for 10-15 years. With routine care and maintenance, this can even extend to 25 years or more. This makes them a preferable option for heavily damaged teeth that require significant restoration.
Cost Comparison
Costs for veneers and crowns often fluctuate depending on materials, procedures, location, and the dentist’s expertise. Veneers can cost as little as $300 to over $1,000 per tooth. This is less costly than crowns as it may involve less complex procedures.
Dental crowns, on the other hand, vary from $1,500 – $2,000 or more per tooth. It is hefty due to the labour-intensive procedures, crown types, and additional procedures required before getting them.
How to Choose Between Veneers and Crowns
Before getting veneers and crowns, your dentist may talk you through its benefits and potential risks. To ensure the best possible outcome, consider these factors:
- Tooth Condition – Veneers are suitable for cosmetic issues like minor discolouration, chips, or cracks. When it comes to extensive damage, crowns are more appropriate for teeth with large fractures, root canal treatment, or decay.
- Aesthetic Goals – Cheaper than crowns, veneers offer a more subtle, natural-looking solution. Unless you’re looking for a more substantial restoration, crowns are ideal for teeth that require both aesthetic enhancement and rebuilding.
- Budget – Crowns typically cost more than veneers, so you must weigh the benefits and long-term durability of each option.
- Long-term Maintenance – Adequate care helps maintain the appearance and function of both veneers and crowns. While veneers are less susceptible to stains, crowns may require routine professional cleaning and maintenance.
Aside from these, consulting with qualified dentists helps you find the best restorative option. Discuss your goals and conditions so your dentist can provide personalised advice. This will help you opt for the best restorative choice that suits your dental circumstances.
How Aesthetic Dental Clinic Can Help
As Sydney’s leading dental service provider, Aesthetic Dental Clinic expertly handles cosmetic and restorative procedures. We offer personalised consultations to help you choose between veneers and crowns. Here’s how we do it:
- Expert Consultation—Our experienced dentists will carefully assess your teeth, discuss your preferences and provide sensible advice. These expert consultations ensure personalised care tailored to your unique dental needs.
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- High-Quality Materials—We use only the highest-quality materials to restore your pearly whites to their primal condition. We use top-grade porcelain, metals, and alloys for your dental veneers and crowns to deliver exceptional results.
- Advanced Techniques—We employ advanced techniques and cutting-edge technology to craft exceptional crowns and veneers. We even offer same-day veneers!
Conclusion
Veneers and crowns are both effective dental restorations, yet they serve different purposes. While veneers primarily improve teeth’ appearance, crowns often restore their extensive damage. Understanding these key differences is crucial to creating informed dental goals.
Aesthetics Dental Clinic is your partner when it comes to expert advice in achieving these dental goals. We’re experts when it comes to both cosmetic and restorative procedures. We offer personalised recommendations so you can achieve a lasting, healthy smile.
