Dentists use a variety of dental restoration techniques to help patients’ teeth look and function better. Veneer vs Crown: People frequently confuse the procedures of dental veneers and dental crowns, which are both popular restorative dental techniques. A dental crown, on the other hand, covers the entire tooth, unlike a dental veneer, which only covers the front. Both of these dental restoration methods can be pricey, so you should know and understand which one is best for your teeth before you commit. Despite the differences, both procedures have high success rates and are commonly used today. Vizajobs has given an in-depth look at the differences between dental veneers and dental crowns, and which one you should get.
Veneer Vs Crown: Is There a Difference?
Veneers
A dental veneer is a very thin, tooth-colored shell constructed of porcelain or another type of resin composite. (1) It is approximately 1 millimeter (mm) thick and is placed or adhered to the front of the natural tooth.
Crown
A dental crown, on the other hand, is around 2 mm thick and completely covers the tooth. It can be wholly constructed of porcelain, an all-metal alloy, or even porcelain fused to a metal allow (PFM)
Veneer vs Crown: What the process looks like
Dental Veneer
A dental veneer is a thin layer of porcelain that is bonded to the front surface of the tooth. Dental veneers are a less intrusive surgery than crowns. Additionally, the preparation for veneers leaves more of the natural tooth untouched.
The procedure for creating a veneer begins with grinding down half a millimeter of the enamel with a grinding tool. This roughens the tooth’s front surface to aid in the bonding of the veneer to the tooth. However, the newest forms of veneers do not require as much enamel grinding. In some situations, a local anesthetic may be required for the surgery, as the grinding can be rather unpleasant.
After the enamel is ground down, your dentist will create a cast or impression of the prepared tooth. This is often accomplished through the use of a cast or by digitally scanning the tooth. If no on-site laboratory is available, the mold or picture is then transmitted to a lab.
It typically takes about a week or two for the veneer to become ready for placement on the damaged tooth. A temporary veneer may be placed on the tooth until the new veneer is available.
After that, the permanent veneer will be placed in the place of the temporary one. The new veneer is attached to the tooth using a special dental cement and set using a UV lamp.
Once the veneer is in place, there is usually very little movement of the tooth. If, on the other hand, you grind or clench your teeth at night, you may need to wear a nightguard to safeguard the veneer.
The most critical element to consider when getting a dental veneer is that for the veneer to fit well on your tooth, there must be sufficient enamel present to allow the veneer to adhere to it.
Dental Crown
A dental crown completely encases the tooth, not just the surface. When a crown is placed, more teeth must be ground or filed down to accommodate the crown’s appropriate placement. When an underlying issue, such as tooth decay, exists, the dentist will first remove the decayed portion of the tooth before fabricating the crown. In these instances, the tooth must be strengthened in order to sustain the dental crown.
Additionally, if the tooth is injured, it may need to be rebuilt. For this treatment, you will be given a local anesthetic.
The following steps are required to obtain a crown:
- The tooth is crushed down or filed down in a manner similar to that used to obtain a veneer.
- The dentist then creates a mold or imprint of your tooth, either manually or digitally. This mold or picture is transmitted to the lab for crown fabrication. This is done in circumstances where the dentist’s office does not have an on-site laboratory.
- The dentist may place a temporary crown on the grounded tooth to allow you to continue using it while the permanent crown is being made. The new crown is ready in about a week or two.
When the permanent crown is ready, the temporary crown will be removed by your dentist. - The permanent crown is then placed on your tooth and adjusted to ensure that it fits properly and that you can bite properly.
- After cementing the new crown in place using dental cement, it is hardened using a UV lamp.
- Teeth with crowns may experience some movement, resulting in a change in your biting style. In some instances, the crown may need to be modified to accommodate your bite. Which Is Better for You: Dental
- Veneers or Dental Crowns?
A dental veneer is mostly a cosmetic procedure, whereas a dental crown can be used to correct tooth issues or for aesthetic purposes.
For instance, if your tooth is somewhat undamaged and the repair is solely cosmetic, a dental veneer is the ideal alternative. Additionally, veneers are indicated for individuals who want modest contour modifications.
If, on the other hand, your tooth has a root canal, a huge filling, is cracked, or is severely worn down, then a dental crown is the best alternative.
Veneer vs Crown – Pricing
Veneer
The American Consumer Dentistry Organization estimates that the cost of a dental veneer can range between $900 and $2,500 per tooth.
Crowns
A dental crown can cost between $1,000 and $3,500 per tooth, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry.
Veneer vs. Crown: Advantages and Disadvantages
The Advantages of Dental Veneers
In the long run, veneers are more aesthetically acceptable than dental crowns, as they do not disclose a gum edge after several years. This is possible with crowns in some instances. Following the operation, veneered teeth exhibit minimal movement. Certain dental veneers do not require extensive trimming or grinding of the tooth, leaving more of the healthy original tooth intact.
The disadvantages of Dental Veneers
- Obtaining dental veneers is not reversible.
- Veneers expose additional parts of the tooth to potential decay or disease.
- Composite veneers are less expensive, but they also have a shorter lifespan. While other materials are more durable, they will eventually need to be replaced.
- Dental insurance is unlikely to cover veneers.
The Advantages of Crowns
- Dental insurance will almost certainly pay a percentage of the crown’s cost.
- Porcelain crowns replicate the appearance and feel of natural teeth.
- All of the teeth are covered with the crown throughout the treatment, which protects the tooth and reduces the likelihood of decay.
- In comparison to dentures, crowns are permanent and do not require removal for cleaning
The disadvantages of crowns
- To put the crown, an additional natural tooth structure is removed.
- Initially, the tooth on which the crown is placed may become more sensitive to heat and cold, and you may suffer some gum pain. If your sensitivity level grows, you may even require a follow-up visit.
- Porcelain crowns are extremely delicate and are prone to deterioration over time.
- Porcelain crowns fused to a metal alloy frequently exhibit a faint black line between the native tooth and the crown.
Conclusion
Always get the counsel of your dentist before deciding if a veneer or crown is the preferable option for your dental problems. You should be fully aware of all costs associated with getting a veneer or a crown placed, as well as how much your insurance will cover. Bear in mind that dental veneers are unlikely to be covered by insurance. Additionally, before selecting a dentist, inquire about the dentist’s experience with both types of operations.