A damaged tooth can impact your smile and confidence. If you have an injured tooth, your dentist may recommend a variety of potential solutions including dental veneers and dental crowns.
These two dental tools may seem similar, but they have distinct differences. If you’re considering dental veneers or dental crowns in Tampa, FL, it’s important to know the difference.
Key Differences
Both dental veneers and dental crowns cover up breaks, chips, and other cosmetic imperfections. The main differences between these two options are what they cover and how they’re used.
- Veneers: Dental veneers are thin porcelain or composite layers, covering only the front surface of the tooth. To install dental veneers, your dentist will shave down the front of your tooth to make space for the veneer. Dental veneers are designed to look like natural teeth.
- Crowns: Dental crowns are thicker than dental veneers, and they cover the entire tooth. They can be made of porcelain, metal alloys, or porcelain fused to metal. Dental crowns may look like natural teeth, or they may look like metal. Dental crowns are not just cosmetic – they serve a structural function and can be used to reinforce your tooth enamel.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Dental veneers have many benefits if you’re committed to restoring your smile after a dental injury. See below, the pros and cons of dental veneers.
Pros:
- Veneers require minimal trimming of the natural tooth for installation.
- Veneers are designed to look beautiful. Veneers don’t show a gum margin over time.
- Veneers are unlikely to lead to much tooth movement. This means veneers can be better for your bite and jaw alignment than crowns.
Cons:
- Veneers leave some areas of the tooth exposed, increasing the risk of tooth decay.
- Composite veneers are less durable, lasting around 5–7 years.
Veneers are irreversible and typically not covered by dental insurance. Once you have a dental veneer, you must always have a dental veneer. If your veneer breaks, you must get a new one.
Pros and Cons of Crowns
Your dentist may recommend dental crowns for reasons that are not cosmetic. If your tooth has been injured or cracked, crowns may protect and preserve the tooth. Your dentist will let you know if you need dental crowns.
Pros:
- Dental crowns provide full coverage, protecting the tooth from decay.
- Dental crowns can have a natural appearance, especially with porcelain options.
- Dental crowns are covered by some dental insurance plans.
Cons:
- Dental crowns require more of the tooth structure to be removed.
- Dental crowns can cause initial sensitivity to temperature and discomfort.
- Porcelain crowns can chip or wear down, and porcelain-metal crowns may show a dark line at the gum.
Costs
The cost of dental veneers and crowns varies. If you need a dental crown for reasons relating to your dental health, your insurance may cover this expense. Talk to your dentist to find out more.
- Veneers: $925 to $2,500 per tooth for porcelain; $250 to $1,500 per tooth for composite.
- Crowns: $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth, with porcelain and ceramic options usually cost more than metal.
Best Use Cases
Veneers and dental crowns may look similar, but they’re used in different situations. Veneers are ideal for covering up cosmetic defects in intact teeth. Your dentist may recommend a dental veneer to cover up a break, chip, crack, gap in your tooth, or discoloration.
Dental crowns are recommended for teeth with large fillings or significant wear and tear. Your dentist will also recommend a dental crown after a root canal procedure.
Do you want to know more about dental crowns or dental veneers? Call the professionals at Weninger Dentistry. We install veneers and dental crowns for patients who want to restore their smile.