If you have a damaged tooth or a cosmetic problem with your smile in Lexington or the greater Columbia area, you are probably exploring your options for restoring your smile, and you may be wondering if veneers or dental crowns are right for you.
What’s the difference, anyway? What’s the better option, and what’s right for your situation? In this blog from Palmetto Dental Associates, we will discuss a few of the top differences between crowns and veneers, and why they're important.
1. Crowns are Restorative, Veneers can be both Restorative and Cosmetic
This is a very important distinction. Crowns and veneers do share lots of similarities. Both treatments involve reducing your tooth and covering it with porcelain ceramic, but they can be meant for completely different purposes.
Dental crowns are around 2mm thick, and they are designed to cover up an entire tooth. By covering it all the way to your gums, the crown essentially replaces your natural tooth’s enamel. It also provides excellent protection for your tooth. Because of this, crowns are used to repair large cavities or chipped/cracked/broken teeth. They can be used for cosmetic purposes, too, but this is usually only done if other cosmetic treatments like veneers are not appropriate for some reason.
Veneers are much thinner, usually around 0.5-1mm. They don’t cover the whole tooth; instead, they cover the front surface of the tooth and a slight portion of the back surface. Veneers are intended to only cover and treat cosmetic problems and small restorative issues, like tiny chips in the tooth, stains, or gaps between your teeth. They don’t offer the same protection as a crown, so not everyone is a candidate for veneers.
2. Veneers Require Much Less Enamel Removal
Since veneers only cover the front of your tooth, they don’t require you to have as much enamel removed from your teeth. Most of your original tooth material will remain intact.
Crowns are different. Your tooth must be trimmed down quite a bit to remove decay and damaged material, to create a stable attachment point for the crown, and to ensure the crown fits properly. The amount of tooth structure removed will vary depending on your case, but it’s typically quite a bit more than with a veneer.
This is another reason crowns aren’t usually used to treat healthy teeth. It’s always best to preserve as much of your natural enamel as possible, so it makes sense to use veneers instead of removing healthy tooth structure, when ever possible.
3. Crowns May Last Longer Than Veneers, But Lifespan Is Dependent On Care
Since they are thicker and cover the whole tooth, crowns usually last longer than veneers. They are less likely to loosen or fall off, and are more resistant to the forces of chewing and biting. Crowns can last between 15-20 years, and a 20-30 year lifespan is not unheard of with proper care. In contrast, veneers may need to be replaced sooner if they are very thin and are not being taken care of and protected.
The lifespan of both crowns and veneers is directly dependent on how they are taken care of at home. Daily brushing and flossing, dental cleanings every 6 months, and wearing an occlusal guard/bite splint to protect against the damaging forces of clenching and grinding, are vital steps patients should take to get the most life out of their crowns and veneers.
4. Veneers are More Expensive Than Crowns
Veneers are a very precise, artistic process that require much preparation and planning by both the dentist and the dental lab. The exact cost will, of course, depend on your specific case and will be discussed in great detail at your consult appointment. At Palmetto Dental Associates we do not cut corners and our veneers look and function exactly like natural teeth. The old saying holds true, “you get what you pay for!” and you will be thrilled. Visit our website to see actual before and after photos of veneers placed by Dr. Shull and Dr. Thomas.
What’s Right For Me? Find Out At Palmetto Dental Associates!
By now, you should have a better idea of whether veneers or crowns are better for you. Veneers are ideal for cosmetic problems in patients with small issues and generally healthy teeth, while crowns are typically used to solve complex dental issues and to make weak or cracked teeth stronger.
If you still have questions or you’re ready to schedule an appointment, Palmetto Dental Associates is here to help. Contact us online or give us a call at 803-808-0888 to schedule a consultation with Dr. Thomas or Dr. Shull. As experienced general and cosmetic dentists, they can explain your options, and make sure you get the treatment that’s right for you in Lexington.