Cracks, chips and discoloration can damage an otherwise perfect smile. Decay and food or drink stains also can have a profound effect on the appearance of someone's smile. There are options, however, for people who are looking for a better and brighter smile. Crowns and veneers can take a sub-par smile and make it practically perfect. But how do you know which one is the best for you?
The options
Crowns and veneers can fix a multitude of dental problems medically and cosmetically. Both methods can repair discoloration, chips and damage from decay. The main physical difference between crowns and veneers is that a crown encases the entire tooth that it is repairing where a veneer is a very thin (normally only half the thickness of a crown) shell, usually made from porcelain, that covers only the front and sides of the damaged tooth.
Depending on the current level of damage to your teeth, your particular bite pattern and individual habits (grinding your teeth, biting your nails, etc.), your dentist may recommend one option over the other. Extensive damage to teeth may require more protection than a thin porcelain veneer can provide, so in extreme cases a dentist may suggest the crown as a more secure option.
Installation Procedure
The greatest difference between crowns and veneers lies in the installation process. The porcelain veneers are very thin and require a minimal amount of the existing tooth to be removed for proper installation. In contrast, a crown will require the bulk of the existing tooth to be removed for a proper fit.
Durability
Many people assume that because a crown appears to be a sturdier structure (when compared with the much thinner and more delicate appearing porcelain veneer), it would last much longer. This, however, is not always the case. In the past, veneers have more commonly been used in cosmetic procedures, but they are still very durable. When properly cared for, veneers can outlive the normal life expectancy of the more traditional crown (around ten years) when treating the same problem.
Cost
Crowns will typically cost more per tooth, but the price of either option can vary greatly depending on a number of factors. The area of the country in which you live, the dentist that you choose and the amount of preparatory work necessary to complete the procedure could all have profound effects on exactly how much you'll end up paying for your crowns or veneers.
If either procedure is deemed medically necessary you may be eligible to have some or all of it covered under your dental insurance. Still, be aware that purely cosmetic procedures involving veneers or crowns will most likely have the patient paying for the procedure out of pocket.
Warning
The direct cost to you could be dramatically increased if the most appropriate choice isn't made at the outset. If you choose to have veneers installed and they don't hold well enough to the existing tooth structure, you may have to get crowns installed. This could effectively more than double the cost of the procedure.
It's imperative that you follow the advice of a dentist that you trust and one that has experience with both procedures. Doing your homework will ensure that you get the most appropriate procedure for your particular situation.
Tags: existing tooth, between crowns, between crowns veneers, cosmetic procedures, dentist that