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Veneers vs Crowns: What’s the Difference?
Dental veneers or porcelain veneers cover only the front of the tooth, and they are used mostly for aesthetic purposes. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth and are used to restore the shape of the tooth and improve its strength.
Let’s have a thorough look into each one of these methods in order to help you choose what’s the right one for you.
VENEERS
- Fix teeth that are discolored from root canal treatment, stains, excessive fluoride
- Fix teeth that are worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, or have gaps between them.
CROWNS
- Restore a tooth that is cracked, worn, or broken.
- Protect a weak tooth from decay or damage.
- Cover a tooth that has several damages.
- Cover a discolored tooth, or hold a dental bridge in place.
As in everything, there are both advantages and disadvantages of getting veneers or crowns. Let’s take a look at the main ones:
VENEERS
Pros
- Natural appearance is similar to teeth.
- Porcelain veneers are stain-resistant.
- Gums tolerate porcelain well.
- You may select the color to make dark teeth appear white.
Cons
- The process can’t be undone.
- The tooth may become more sensitive to hot or cold food and drinks (because of enamel removal)
- They may not exactly match the color of your teeth, and the color of the veneer can’t be altered once it’s placed.
- Even with veneers, decay is possible.
CROWNS
Pros
- Support for a tooth that has been significantly damaged or decayed.
- Improving the appearance of a tooth by changing its shape or color.
- Covering a dental implant.
- Long-lasting (can hold up to 15 years).
- Holding a severely broken or cracked tooth together.
Cons
- Teeth may get sensitive to heat or cold.
- A porcelain crown can be more prone to chipping.
- A crown can get loose or fall out if there isn’t enough cement.
- There’s a chance of developing gingivitis if the gums around the crown get sore, irritated, or start bleeding.
Despite veneers and crowns seeming to provide basically the same function, you can’t just use one or the other like they’re the same thing.
Your dentist will recommend one dental treatment option over the other based on your specific situation. If your tooth is damaged, has a large filling, or has a root canal, it will need better protection and that’s when the crown method takes the stage. Porcelain veneers are best for purely cosmetic purposes.
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