Getting a dental treatment between veneers and crowns may seem tricky, especially if you need to learn the differences. Well, although similar, these procedures are different. Dentists at Dentakay dental clinic can examine your teeth and recommend the appropriate treatment.

Veneers and crowns are significantly different in the following;

Procedure

  • Veneers

When you visit your dentist for veneers, you will first undergo a thorough medical examination to confirm if it is the proper treatment for you. Then, if you qualify, your dentist will prepare your teeth by shaving a part of your teeth’s enamel and sending the impressions to a dental laboratory.

Your dentist will install temporary veneers pending when the permanent ones are ready. Once they are, you will visit your dentist for installation. During the installation, your dentist will bond the veneers to your teeth using dental cement.

The dentist then hardens the cement with a curing light. To wrap up the procedure, you will also check the fit, color, and bite and make necessary adjustments.

  • Crowns

The dental crown procedure also requires multiple visits to your dentist. First, your dentist will examine your teeth to check the extent of the decay; if it is extensive, you may need to undergo a root canal treatment first. 

Before taking an impression of your teeth, your dentist will reshape your tooth and add dental filling to support the crown. Afterwards, your dentist will take your tooth impression and send it to a dental lab for manufacturing. You should get temporary crowns pending when the permanent ones are manufactured.

During your next visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and fit the permanent one. Your dentist will also check your bite and make appropriate changes to the crown’s color so it looks right.

Pros And Cons

  • Veneers

Veneers are a cosmetic dental treatment that improves teeth’ appearance and gives you a pearly white smile. So, even if you have significant tooth discolorations, this treatment covers imperfections to offer white, even and straight teeth. Furthermore, porcelain veneers are translucent, and they look like your natural teeth.

One downside of veneers is that it is a permanent procedure. After getting the treatment, you cannot undo it. In addition, because of the enamel removal, you may experience teeth sensitivity to hot and cold food and beverages. And if you don’t take proper care of your teeth, you may still experience tooth decay under your veneers.

  • Crowns

Dental crowns are durable and can last as long as 15 years, depending on maintenance. This restorative dental treatment is ideal for holding a damaged tooth and improving a tooth’s appearance. Dentists also use crowns as prosthetic teeth to cover dental implants. Furthermore, dental crowns are incredible for relieving pain from tooth decay.

The downside to dental crowns is that you may experience increased teeth sensitivity and experience gum disease if you don’t care for them properly. In addition, if they are not correctly placed, you may experience further tooth decay and infection.

Materials

  • Veneers

Dentists make veneers from different materials, including porcelain, composite, and zirconia. Composite veneers are the cheapest of all veneer materials but are also the least durable. 

Porcelain is the most expensive but durable and provides natural results. Zirconia veneers, on the other hand, are also durable and translucent. They are also biocompatible and suitable for people with allergies.

  • Crowns

Dental crowns are made of metal, porcelain, alloys, and zirconia. Although metal crowns are the strongest, they are not aesthetic due to their color. On the other hand, porcelain crowns are aesthetic and expensive but more durable than metal crowns.

Alloy crowns are porcelain fused to metal. This type of crown provides the strength of metal crowns and the aesthetic of porcelain crowns. The downside of porcelain-fused-to-metal crowns, however, is that the metal may cause a visible grey line along the gum line

Costs

  • Veneers

The cost of veneers varies depending on the material and location. For instance, you may get porcelain veneers between $800 – $2000 for one tooth in the USA. In Turkey, however, this cost is significantly cheaper. One unit of porcelain veneer may be as cheap as $150 – $500

  • Crowns

Dental crowns also have varying costs, with the all-porcelain veneers being the most expensive. In the USA, porcelain crowns cost between $600 and $3000 for one unit. But in Turkey, you can get one unit between $100 and $250. Prices also charges according to the materials being used in each procedures. Find out the prices  of both veneers and crowns in accordance with the materials used on https://dentakay.com/veneers-vs-crowns/

Candidates

  • Veneers

Veneers may be right for you if you have intact tooth enamel and good oral health. This treatment is ideal for covering teeth imperfections, including stains, minor crookedness, and uneven shape.

  • Crowns

Crowns are an ideal dental treatment for worn or cracked teeth. In addition, this treatment may be for you if you have a large filling or significant tooth decay. 

Results

  • Veneers

The result of a dental veneer procedure is a bright, white, translucent smile that boosts your self-esteem and leaves a lasting first impression.

  • Crowns

A dental crown procedure results in natural-looking teeth that cover your damaged teeth to give you a better oral health

Aftercare

Both veneers and crowns have the same aftercare. Moreover, these dental treatments can only last if you care for them properly. Aftercare tips for your veneers and crowns include;

  • Visiting the dentist routinely for oral checkups and treatments
  • Brushing and flossing daily
  • Using a mouthguard if you play contact sports
  • Wearing a nighttime mouthguard if you grind your teeth in your sleep
  • Avoiding teeth staining foods like coffee and red wine
  • Not chewing hard substances like candy or ice

Conclusion

Choosing between veneers and crowns depends on what needs repairing. Veneers are a cosmetic treatment suitable for covering teeth imperfections. On the other hand, crowns are a restorative treatment for preventing further tooth decay.

You should consult your dentist to know which treatment is most appropriate for you. Your dentist may even prescribe other treatments depending on your condition.