Which Should I Choose to Upgrade My Smile: Crowns or Veneers?

If you’ve been considering upgrading your grin but aren’t sure whether to choose veneers or crowns, then this blog is for you! Here’s a closer look at the benefits of these two smile-improving treatments, and how to decide which one can help make your teeth look and feel terrific!

Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference?

Before you can decide whether your smile would benefit more from crowns or veneers, it’s important to understand the differences between the two.

Veneers are thin, porcelain shells that are cemented over the visible surfaces of the teeth to instantly transform their shape, size, spacing and color. With proper care, they could last for 20 or more years before needing to be replaced. Veneers are considered permanent because your dentist will need to remove small amounts of enamel, so they fit properly. Thus, once your current ones expire, you’ll need to either replace them with new veneers or with dental crowns.

Conversely, dental crowns are restorations that fit over the entire reshaped tooth like a cap. They can be made of a variety of durable, lifelike materials, and identically color-matched to your existing teeth. Because they are strong, they can be used on back teeth and are capable of chewing a full diet. This treatment is also considered irreversible because the underlying tooth must be reshaped to accommodate the prosthetic. With proper care, your dental crowns could last for ten or more years.

Which Treatment is Best for My Teeth?

Veneers are often a smart choice for patients with healthy teeth that could use some aesthetic improvements, such as if your teeth are too short, have significant gaps between them, are misshapen, or are deeply discolored. They are ideal for front teeth or any in the “smile zone,” but because they aren’t very thick, they aren’t recommended for back teeth (molars). It is important to note, however, that because veneers are considered cosmetic, they aren’t usually covered by traditional dental insurance.

Dental crowns are ideal for injured teeth or those with significant decay because they can restore them whilst protecting them from future damage. They also work great for back teeth. In many cases, crowns may be at least partially covered by your dental insurance plan if they provide oral health benefits.

The Importance of the Dental Consultation

Although you may have your heart set on a particular treatment, ultimately, the best way to decide which procedure is best is to visit your dentist for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. During this visit, they will examine your smile and make recommendations for how to best achieve your smile goals. Then, they can assist you by creating a treatment plan and even maximizing your dental insurance benefits if your procedure of choice has any coverage.

Remember, both veneers and crowns can help transform your smile from terrible to terrific in just one long-lasting treatment. But to help you make the right choice, don’t forget to schedule a consultation with your dentist, so you can make the best decision for your gorgeous grin!

About Our Practice

At Arbor Dental Care, Dr. Nellie and Dr. Frank are pleased to offer a variety of smile-saving treatments including both veneers and dental crowns. If you’d like to upgrade your gorgeous grin with either treatment, schedule a consultation with us today and let us help you make the right choice for your smile. You can request an appointment right on our website, or call us today at 630-969-2310.