Good dental hygiene practices impact your overall health. Despite our best efforts, many of us will have to get dental work done on our teeth at some point. Going to the dentist may not be everyone’s favorite thing to do, but it is important to get dental work taken care of sooner than later.

Dental crowns and veneers are two common dental treatments that can enhance the appearance of teeth and restore their function. Today, we will explain the differences between dental crowns and veneers, including the purpose, materials used, preparation process, and pros and cons of each treatment.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that a dentist places over a damaged or weakened tooth to restore its shape, size, strength, and appearance. There are several types of dental crowns, including porcelain-fused-to-metal, ceramic, zirconia, and gold. Dental crowns are for severely damaged and decaying teeth. They may also be used for patients after they get a root canal. 

Before you can get a dental crown, a dentist has to start shaping the tooth, take impressions of your actual tooth, and send the crown to get fabricated in a dental laboratory. Dental crowns are generally more durable than veneers and can last for at least 15 years. The cost of dental crowns varies depending on the type of crown and the dental office you go through.

The advantages of dental crowns include their durability, strength, and ability to restore the function and appearance of a tooth. Disadvantages include the need for more extensive tooth preparation and higher costs compared to other treatments.

Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are thin, tooth-colored shells that bond to the front of a tooth to improve its physical appearance. There are several types of dental veneers, including porcelain, composite resin, and ceramic. Veneers can address several different cosmetic dental issues including chipped, stained, or misshapen teeth. 

When getting veneers, first, the dentist must remove a small amount of tooth enamel, take impressions of your teeth, and send the veneers to get fabricated in a dental laboratory. Dental veneers are generally less durable than crowns and usually last for about a decade. The cost of dental veneers can vary depending on the type of veneer you get (for example, pop in, resin, or press on veneers) and the dental practice.

Some advantages of dental veneers include improving the appearance of teeth and correcting cosmetic issues. Disadvantages of veneers are their reduced durability compared to crowns and the need for tooth enamel removal to even begin the process.

Differences Between Crowns and Veneers

The purposes behind dental crowns and veneers are different. Crowns serve a more functional purpose, while veneers improve the appearance of a healthy tooth. The materials used for crowns and veneers differ as well. Crowns are typically made of more robust materials like metal or ceramic, while veneers are comprised of thinner materials such as porcelain or composite resin. 

The preparation process for crowns involves more extensive tooth preparation, while the preparation process for veneers involves minimal tooth preparation. Typically, the cost and lifespan of crowns are generally higher and longer than veneers.

Which Treatment is Right for You?

When determining whether you need to get dental crowns or veneers, you and your dentist have to take into consideration the condition of your teeth, the desired outcome, and your budget. Consulting with a dentist will help you make an informed decision about which treatment is best for you. 

Conclusion

Dental crowns and veneers are popular dental treatments that can enhance the appearance and function of teeth. We went over the differences between these two treatments to help you get a better idea about which treatment is right for you. 

Dental crowns are typically used for severely damaged or decayed teeth, while veneers primarily address cosmetic issues in healthy teeth. Crowns are constructed out of durable materials, while veneers consist of thinner materials. 

The experienced dentists at Sierra Dental in Valencia, California, are here to help you make the best decision for your dental health. Schedule a consultation with one of our dental professionals today.