6 Facts You Should Know When Choosing Veneers And Dental Crowns

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There are so many dental cosmetic procedures available that can give you the perfect smile you've always wanted. Two popular cosmetic procedures are porcelain veneers and dental crowns. Both are great for improving the look of your smile, but each procedure has its own pros and cons. Check out these six facts you should know if you're considering getting veneers and dental crowns.

Both Can Fix Many Cosmetic Concerns

Whether you choose veneers or dental crowns, both of them can fix a wide variety of cosmetic concerns. Both can correct discoloration, worn/uneven teeth, gapped teeth, misaligned teeth and teeth with chips. However, veneers can only fix problems on the front teeth. They are not placed on the back teeth. Dental crowns can be placed on front and back teeth.

Both Are Permanent

If your dentist tried to put a veneer or a crown over your existing tooth, it would never fit. In order for the veneer or crown to fit and look natural, the dentist needs to remove some of your tooth enamel. The veneer or crown is then placed and replaces the enamel to protect the tooth. You can't decide at a later date you don't want veneers or crowns. Without them, your tooth is weak, vulnerable and sensitive. This is a lifelong commitment, but your first set of veneers or crowns probably won't last forever, so you'll need to get them replaced.  

Veneers Require Less Tissue Removal

As you now know, either option requires tissue removal. However, veneers require less tissue removal than dental crowns because they are thin and only sit on the front of your teeth. While this doesn't make them reversible, it does make them a less invasive procedure. The more tissue the dentist removes, the more likely there may be damage to your tooth's pulp. Damage can result in a tooth infection and the need for root canal therapy or an extraction later.

Veneers May Be More Affordable

Veneers may be the more affordable option. Porcelain veneers cost about $900 to $2,500 per tooth. However, you could also choose resin veneers. They still fix all the same problems porcelain veneer can, but while they leave your teeth looking white and healthy, they aren't as natural looking as porcelain veneers. They only cost about $250 per tooth. An all-porcelain dental crown costs about $800-$3,000 per tooth, and porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns cost about $500 to $1,500. Sometimes, the metal shows through the porcelain on porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, so they are best on back teeth.

Only Crowns Can Strengthen Teeth

Both dental crowns and veneers are great cosmetic options. However, only dental crowns can strengthen teeth. This means that dental crowns may be your only option. If you have a lot of cavities, big fillings or cracks in your teeth, veneers may not be enough. Dental crowns may be the best option to improve the look of your smile and strengthen it, which can prevent future breakage.

Crowns Protect the Entire Tooth

Crowns are also better for future tooth protection. Veneers cover the front surface of your teeth, which makes them impenetrable to bacteria and decay. However, the gum line and backs of your teeth are still susceptible. Dental crowns cover your entire tooth, so you only have to worry about protecting the gum line from decay.

Of course, there's no reason you can't get both. Your dentist may feel that your front teeth are good, healthy candidates for porcelain veneers while your back teeth are weak and should be protected with crowns. If you are curious about these great procedures, contact a cosmetic dentist or clinic such as Family Dentist in your area and discuss your options. 


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