Do you dislike the look of your smile? Are you tired of living with cracks, chips, and stains that cause you to feel embarrassed by your appearance? If so, you’ll be pleased to know that cosmetic dentistry is one of the most sought-after types of dental care available. With so many options designed to improve and enhance your aesthetics, you may wonder whether veneers or crowns are the best choices to help you achieve your smile goals. Read on to learn more about the pros and cons of each unique treatment and feel more comfortable when it comes to making the right decision for your smile.
Veneers vs. Crowns: The Basics
Veneers are a cosmetic solution that consists of thin sheaths of ceramic that fit over the surface of your teeth and hide various imperfections, including chips, cracks, stains, discoloration, misshapen teeth, and minor gaps and misalignments. Known for giving Hollywood stars their “perfect” smile, these small restorations are considered permanent because of the small amount of tooth enamel that must be removed to ensure optimal bonding. With proper care and maintenance, veneers in Boca Raton can last a decade or longer.
While dental crowns are typically viewed as a restorative service, they, too, can serve a cosmetic purpose, especially if you are considered a metal-free version. Traditional amalgam was once the only way for a dentist to repair broken or decayed teeth. Now, professionals are turning to all-porcelain crowns because of their unique ability to mimic natural tooth enamel, making them look just like regular teeth. Crowns in Boca Raton are ideal if you have a tooth that is severely decayed or damaged and needs to be repaired. Instead of relying on traditional metals, you can opt for a more aesthetically pleasing option with a porcelain crown.
What Are the Differences Between Veneers and Crowns?
Now that you know a bit more about each type of restoration, it’s time to look at how they truly differ. A few things you’ll want to keep in mind when considering which option you plan to move forward with include:
- A dental crown encases the entire tooth and is often bulkier than a veneer, which only covers the front surface of a tooth.
- Dental crowns require a more invasive procedure that involves reducing the amount of natural tooth structure to ensure the crown fits properly when placed. Veneers only require a small portion of tooth enamel to be removed.
- Dental insurance is unlikely to cover veneers because it is a cosmetic procedure; however, if a dental crown is needed to repair a broken or decayed tooth, it can be filed under your insurance, lowering your out-of-pocket expenses.
- Both dental crowns and veneers require scheduling multiple appointments (between 2-3) with your dentist before receiving your final restorations.
In short, veneers are purely cosmetic, whereas dental crowns are more of a restorative solution that can have an aesthetic benefit. When talking to your dentist, make sure to express what it is you want to achieve. Then, you can better determine which solution is right for you.
About the Author
Dr. Steven H. Feit is a prosthodontist you can trust. Earning his Bachelor of Science from Muhlenberg College, he went on to achieve his Doctor of Dental Medicine from New Jersey Dental School. He then completed his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Prosthodontics from the Goldman School of Graduate Dentistry at Boston University. Offer cosmetic and restorative services to patients in need, he can help you make the right decision concerning your oral health and aesthetics, ensuring you walk away with healthy, beautiful, and long-lasting results. If you want to make a change to your smile, visit our website or call (561) 338-7535.