Nobody likes discolored or crooked teeth. After all, they can impact your dental hygiene and, more importantly, your confidence, prompting you to smile while keeping your teeth hidden.
You’ve likely heard about dental restoration procedures if you have discolored, decaying, or crooked teeth. The most common dental restoration procedures for these conditions include veneers and crowns. They’re both popular options that resolve the same issues. However, they’re also very different.
What are Veneers?
Veneers consist of thin layers of porcelain or other materials that are usually one millimeter thick. They’re bonded to your existing tooth. Most people often opt for veneers when requiring dental restoration because they’re not as invasive as crowns. As a result, veneers will leave more of your original tooth intact.
Dentists will apply veneers by grounding down half a millimeter of enamel on the front of the tooth to roughen the surface for bonding veneers. However, it’s worth noting that many modern veneers don’t require grinding the tooth surface. The process can be painful, meaning you’ll likely need local anesthesia.
If your tooth doesn’t have enough enamel, veneers won’t bond properly.
What are Crowns?
Unlike veneers, crowns cover your entire tooth. Applying crowns is more challenging because more of your tooth will need to be filed or ground. Patients suffering from tooth decay will also need the decayed part of their tooth removed before a crown can be placed. Your dentist might also have to build your tooth up to support the crown.
What’s the Right Option for You?
Choosing between a dental crown and veneers can be challenging. However, the right option for you will depend on your tooth’s condition. For instance, veneers might be better if you want a cosmetic makeover and your teeth are intact. Veneers are also ideal for correcting minor teeth misalignments.
On the other hand, you’ll likely need a dental crown if your tooth has a large filling, root canal, or excessive damage.
How Much Do They Cost?
Cost can often be a deciding factor between choosing a crown or veneers. According to the American Cosmetic Dentistry Organization, porcelain veneers can cost between $925 and $2500 per tooth. Veneers cost skyrockets when purchasing porcelain veneers. These are more expensive than composite ones because they last longer and are more durable. Composite veneers are cheaper and generally cost you between $250 to $1500 per tooth, as per the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
Meanwhile, crowns are significantly more expensive because more material is used. In addition, crowns generally cover more of your tooth, meaning more preparation work is required to make them. Crowns generally cost between $1000 and $3500 per tooth. It’s also worth noting this figure doesn’t include additional expenses like root canals or core buildup, which are required before a crown can be placed.
Veneer Pros and Cons
Veneers cost less than crowns, but they’re irreversible. In addition, many insurance providers won’t cover veneers, meaning you’ll have to pay for them out of pocket. They also leave your tooth vulnerable to new decay since they only cover the front of it. However, veneers are more aesthetically appealing than crowns because they don’t show gum margins for years, unlike crowns.
Crowns Pros and Cons
Crowns cover your entire tooth, protecting it from decay. They also look and feel like natural teeth and more permanent solutions. Furthermore, most dental insurance providers will cover at least a portion of their costs.
Unfortunately, crowns also have some disadvantages. You’ll have your original tooth removed to make space for them. In addition, crowned teeth are more sensitive to heat and cold, causing gum pain regularly.
Get Started with Park Avenue Dental
Park Avenue Dental is a dental clinic in Gainesville, Florida. Park Avenue Dental offers exceptional dental care through various dental services. Whether you’re looking for cosmetic, pediatric, or family dentistry, we can help you.Check out our website today for more information. Alternatively, contact us to book an appointment.
