Your oral health is a critical part of your overall health and well-being. Caring for your teeth means that you will adhere to the right habits that protect your teeth and promptly correct any complications that could arise. If you have damaged, decayed, or discolored teeth, your dentist can recommend crowns or veneers to restore the function and appearance of your teeth.

While both crowns and veneers are desirable restorations, they serve different purposes. Veneers are mainly a cosmetic procedure, while crowns can be a restorative and partially cosmetic procedure.

Depending on the extent of your tooth damage, desired results, and budget, your dentist will recommend the right option. Understanding the differences between these restoration procedures will help you decide on the correct procedure to suit your needs. If dental complications require veneers or crowns, you must consult an experienced dentist for an assessment.

The differences between veneers and crowns include:

Crowns Restore Severe Tooth Damage, while Veneers Help with Minor Issues

Your smile is your first impression when interacting with someone else. Having broken, decayed, or discolored teeth can distort your smile and cause you to be self-conscious. Veneers and crowns can help you restore the appearance of your teeth. However, crowns are a better option when you have severely damaged or decayed teeth.

Crowns are custom-made to cover the entire tooth, protecting it from further damage and decay. With a crown, you will strengthen the tooth's structure, which restores the appearance and function of the tooth. On the other hand, veneers are a purely cosmetic procedure. The procedure's main aim is to hide the flaws, including minor cracks and discoloration of the teeth.

You will be a good candidate for dental veneers if the damage to your teeth is superficial and the tooth's structure is not compromised.

Crowns Protect Your Teeth from Further Damage

Fitting your teeth with crowns involves molding your problematic teeth and creating a cup for the tooth. A crown covers the entire visible part of your tooth, strengthening the structure and protecting the tooth from further damage. Bacteria from the mouth and food particles cannot enter your tooth when you have a crown. Therefore, this restoration option is ideal when you want long-lasting protection for your teeth.

Veneers, on the other hand, are shells made to cover the front part of your teeth. While veneers restore your smile and the appearance of your teeth, they leave the back part of the tooth exposed to bacteria and other factors that could cause tooth damage.

Veneers are Less Invasive than Crowns

Crowns are extensive restorations that cover the entirety of the tooth. Therefore, as part of the preparation for the crown placement, your dentist will remove part of the tooth enamel. This allows the crown to fit properly and avoids the bulkiness of the tooth. The process of reducing tooth enamel can cause discomfort and weaken the structure of the tooth further.

Removing part of your tooth enamel opens your tooth to sensitivity and decay. However, if you opt for dental veneers to restore the appearance of your tooth, you will not need to undergo a reduction of the enamel. This is because veneers are thin porcelain materials covering the tooth's visible part.

Veneers may be the best option for individuals with tooth sensitivity issues to avoid further complications.

Veneers are More Aesthetically Pleasing

There are many reasons why you choose to undergo a dental procedure. Some people want to restore the function of their teeth and protect them from further damage, while others want to restore their smile. Veneers and dental crowns can restore your smile and increase your self-esteem. This is because these restorations are custom-made to mimic the shine and color of your natural tooth enamel.

However, veneers are more aesthetically pleasing than crowns. Crowns can be made of materials like metal, while veneers are made of naturally shiny porcelain and do not show a gum line after several years.

Crowns are More Costly than Veneers

Most dental restorations are an expensive investment in your oral health. However, the placement of dental crowns may be more costly than veneers. For crowns, you may need to pay between $1,000 and $3500 for each tooth that requires restoration. Additionally, you will incur additional costs for all the procedures you may need to undergo before the dental crown placement.

Before you undergo the procedure for the placement of dental crowns, you may need to undergo a root canal. This procedure involves the removal of the tooth pulp. A root canal kills the nerves of your tooth to prevent sensitivity and further tooth decay or damage. Another procedure you may need before covering your tooth with a crown is deep cleaning, which removes tartar and plaque from the surface of the teeth and gums.

Conversely, veneers will cost you between $975 and $2500 for each affected tooth. Since veneers are not placed on the entire tooth surface, you will not need to undergo procedures like root canals. This eliminates the additional costs you may have to incur for the procedure.

Whether you choose crowns or veneers, the overall cost you may need to pay depends on the following factors:

  • The number of teeth you want to restore. You will likely pay more for dental crowns if multiple damaged teeth require restoration. In most cases, the dentist will charge you for each tooth. However, you could negotiate a discount for multiple teeth to avoid incurring a high cost.
  • The condition of your teeth before the procedure. Before you place a dental crown, your dentist will treat all the underlying issues with the tooth. This could include a root canal and removing the decayed part of the tooth. These procedures will increase the cost of your restoration.
  • The materials you choose for your restoration. Another significant factor that could affect the cost of your crowns is your chosen material. There are different materials with different appearances, strengths, and costs. For example, gold crows are more costly than composite crowns.
  • Location of the tooth requiring restoration. Your molars may require more extensive preparation before fitting crowns. Additionally, these teeth are more significant than others and may require more material to make the crown.

Another significant difference between the cost of veneers and crowns is that your insurance coverage can cover part of your crowns. Dental crowns are restorative procedures that strengthen damaged teeth and restore their function and outlook. Most people who opt for this procedure have suffered dental complications like trauma, tooth decay, and cavities, among others.

Before you undergo a procedure for the placement of dental crowns, you must consult with your insurance provider to determine the amount they are willing to cover. You must understand that you may not receive coverage for the procedure if you choose cosmetic materials like porcelain.

Conversely, veneers are a purely cosmetic procedure that insurance cannot cover. Therefore, before you undergo the procedure, you must be ready to cover the entire cost of treatment.

Crowns are More Natural-Looking than Veneers

When you undergo a cosmetic or restorative dental procedure, you expect the results to resemble your natural teeth. This helps restore your smile and your confidence. Crowns are custom-made to completely resemble your natural teeth. This is because they cover the entirety of the tooth. Additionally, when a significant part of the tooth enamel is removed before fitting the restorations, your teeth will not appear bulkier than necessary.

Veneers do not look as natural as crowns because the restoration is placed on the front part of your tooth. The back side is left open, and a line between the tooth and the restoration can be noticed on closer inspection. You must consult a skilled cosmetic dentist for a practical solution and a more natural-looking procedure.

Crowns are More Durable than Veneers

The decision to undergo a cosmetic dental procedure is critical. This is because of the financial commitment you make. You will invest a substantial amount in crowns and veneers to restore your smile or repair your damaged teeth. Therefore, you expect the procedure to last for a long time. Crowns are more durable than veneers. If you follow the following aftercare tips, your crowns can last you for up to a decade:

  • Regular brushing and flossing. Your dentist will recommend brushing and flossing your crowned teeth properly. This will include using fluoride toothpaste with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
  • Ideal diet and hydration. Staying hydrated and maintaining a proper diet could impact the durability of your crowns. Eating healthy and nutrient-rich foods is critical to maintaining proper oral health, and avoiding dental complications can affect the crowns.
  • Proper rinsing of the mouth. Rinsing your mouth after brushing is essential for dislodging food particles that could stick below your gums and damage the crown of your teeth.
  • Regular dental visits. Your tooth-crowning appointment should be different from your last visit to the dentist. You must consult with your dentist at least twice a year. The dental visits allow your dentist to detect oral health complications that can damage your crowns.

Veneers only cover the front part of your teeth, increasing their susceptibility to chipping and breakage. Over time, you may need to undergo a replacement procedure for the veneers. You can ensure your veneers last longer by maintaining proper dental hygiene, avoiding using your teeth as tools, and making regular dental visits. During the dental visits, the dentist will detect potential complications and suggest a solution to avoid further damage.

The Procedure for Placing Veneers is Less Painful and Uncomfortable than Fitting Crowns

The procedure for dental crown placement involves thoroughly preparing the dental crown. This involves removing part of the tooth enamel to avoid bulkiness in the tooth. The process of thinning the tooth enamel could cause some discomfort and pain, depending on the condition of your tooth.

Therefore, your dentist could use a numbing agent or anesthesia before the procedure. Bonded teeth could be sensitive to extreme temperatures when the procedure ends, and the anesthesia wears off. The discomfort could be a turn-off when you need multiple crowns.

Before fitting your teeth with veneers, thinning the tooth enamel may be minimal or unnecessary. Therefore, there is less pain and discomfort during and after the procedure.

Crowns are Better than Veneers for Problematic Teeth

Crowns suit individuals with severely damaged teeth, while veneers can only cover minor issues like discoloration. Your dentist will recommend crowns if you have a severely damaged or decayed tooth. When you have decayed or broken teeth, the dentist may need to perform a root canal and remove the damaged part of the tooth.

Removing tooth enamel weakens the tooth structure, increasing the risk of breakage or total damage. When your tooth is fitted with a crown, the structure of the tooth is restored, allowing it to function normally. Additionally, the appearance of your tooth will improve significantly.

You cannot use veneers on severely damaged teeth. This is because veneers do not impact the tooth structure. Instead, they can only improve the appearance of a vital tooth.

Find a Skilled Dentist Near Me

You may be a good candidate for crowns or veneers if you have cracked, decayed, or discolored teeth. These restorations can improve the function of your teeth and your smile by covering the damaged teeth. However, these procedures differ in the reasons you get them, their benefits, and their complications.

After assessing your oral health and the condition of your teeth and gums, your dentist will recommend the proper restoration procedure. If you consider restoring your teeth through crowns or veneers, you must understand the difference in the procedures. Your final decision to undergo the placement of crowns or veneers will also be based on your budget and the desired outcome.

The outcome of a dental procedure can have significant effects on your well-being. Therefore, you will not entrust the procedures to just any dentist. At Northridge Advanced Dentistry, we offer top-notch dental services for all our patients in Northridge, CA. Contact us at 818-701-3010 to schedule an appointment.