Dental Veneers vs. Crowns: Which One Should You Get?

A neat and clean set of pearly whites are not only aesthetically pleasing. They also provide various health benefits. Uneven or dirty teeth could lead to many issues, both minor and major. That’s why people invest in getting dental veneers or crowns to bridge gaps or keep existing teeth in line.

These two most prevalent dental restoration methods may seem similar to the untrained eye. But each option differs with their components and how dentists install them to your teeth. Veneers often come as thin porcelain or resin and are attached to your front teeth. Meanwhile, dental crowns are thick caps covering a whole tooth.

This post will list the advantages and disadvantages of dental veneers and crowns to help you decide which one’s best for you. So keep reading to learn more.

Pros Of Dental Veneers

1. A Natural Appearance

After installation, dental veneers appear as if they were real. No one would realize you’re wearing them unless they know what your natural teeth look like.

However, proper veneers will only look natural if a reputable clinic, such as Yaletown Laser & Cosmetic Dentistry, performs the procedure. A dentist must provide the right fit and color to match your teeth perfectly so the veneers don’t look out of place.

2. No Need For Too Much Trimming

Unlike other tooth restoration techniques, your dentist may not trim or shave off several parts of your teeth to put veneers. Dentists only remove some of your teeth’s enamel to bond the veneer. But there are newer, modern dental veneers that no longer require enamel removal.

3. Stain Resistant

A common problem among many people is how teeth tend to stain easily. Dental veneers don’t have this issue. You can even request your dentist to attach a set that's a shade lighter than your teeth. Your veneers won’t be affected even if you consume food or beverages that leave stains.

Cons Of Dental Veneers

1. Cannot Be Undone

A significant disadvantage to having porcelain dental veneers is that you can’t remove or change them once you have them. You may only have them adjusted or replaced if they’re resin-based veneers or if they crack. So if you ever decide to alter them, you might have to wait until they decay, which could take a few years.

2. May Make Your Real Teeth More Sensitive

Since a dentist grinds off some enamel to bond the veneers, your natural teeth may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold. It’s also not a procedure for everyone, primarily those with existing dental conditions like tooth decay and gum disease.

3. Might Not Be Covered By Insurance

Another inconvenience to getting veneers is that you could pay out of pocket for them. Many medical insurance companies consider dental veneers as a cosmetic procedure. Your insurance might not cover the expense of having them.

It could be a problem for those needing a budget. Front teeth veneers can be costly, especially ones made of porcelain. Before you get them, ensure you can pay for the procedure and maintenance.

Pros Of Dental Crowns

1. Support For Dental Decay And Protection For Cracked Teeth

People with tooth decay or damaged teeth are better off with dental crowns. The crowns cover the affected tooth and protect it from further decay. They’re also a fantastic option to improve the appearance of extra small or severely stained teeth.

2. More Permanent Option Over Dentures

A perk of wearing dental crowns is that they stay on longer and don’t require nightly removal, unlike dentures. You don’t need to remove them to brush your natural teeth.

They also last for at most 15 years with proper care and maintenance. When you choose to get crowns, you’ll need to visit your dentist for checkups regularly.

3. Insurance May Cover The Costs

Dental crowns could be as expensive as veneers, but you might not need to pay for them in full. Your medical insurance could cover a portion of the procedure since its primary purpose is to protect your teeth from decay. If you lack funds but want to restore the look and feel of your teeth, getting crowns may be the solution.

Cons Of Dental Crowns

1. Loss Of Natural Teeth Parts

Sometimes, a dentist must chip off parts of your natural tooth to make way for a crown. They do it to remove the decayed areas. It’s a painful procedure that leaves your natural teeth permanently mangled. If you decide that crowns are no longer for you, you’ll have uneven and unappealing teeth.

2. May Loosen Or Fall Out

The dentist applies cement to make dental crowns stick to your natural teeth. However, there are cases when there’s not enough cement that the crowns loosen, making it uncomfortable for you to speak or eat. You’ll need constant visits to the clinic to have them adjusted and secured.

3. Could Cause Allergic Reactions

Despite its purpose of protecting teeth, dental crowns may sometimes cause oral allergies due to their metal components. Like fillings, they might also result in tooth sensitivity and pain.

Final Takeaway

Both dental veneers and crowns provide more self-esteem to the wearer, including better protection and preservation of existing teeth. But what you’ll get depends on your teeth’s condition, budget, and dental needs.

Veneers may be ideal for those who aren’t confident with how their front teeth look. Meanwhile, crowns could be better for people with existing tooth damage. One is mainly for aesthetic purposes, while the other is for dental health. So consult your dentist for the best and safest option to gain a lovely and healthy smile.