Both veneers and crowns are popular cosmetic dentistry treatments that protect teeth from damage while improving smile aesthetics. However, knowing their differences is essential before opting for either treatment.
This blog will unpack their fundamental differences, including structure, appearance, procedure, duration, and cost.
Structural & Aesthetic Differences
Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps that cover the entire tooth. They are designed to match natural teeth and are commonly used to cover crooked, fractured or discoloured teeth.
There are four different types of crowns, including porcelain fused to metal, resin, metal, and ceramic. While crowns provide aesthetic benefits, they are most commonly used to restore damaged, decayed, or weakened teeth.
Dental veneers are thin composite or porcelain materials placed on the tooth’s front surface. They protect weak teeth and offer a natural-looking appearance, with each veneer custom-made to align with the patient’s surrounding teeth. While they provide additional tooth strength, they are mainly used to improve the appearance of the tooth’s shape, size, or colour.
Differences in Procedure and Durability
The dental crown vs veneer process is also different.
The dental crown procedure begins with scanning the patient’s tooth. It then gets sent to a lab, where a technician customises the crown’s shape to blend perfectly with the surrounding teeth. Once the crown is complete, the dentist moulds it into place using dental cement or adhesive. Depending on the material and oral hygiene, crowns can last 10-15 years.
The porcelain veneer process is similar to dental crowns. It begins with a tooth scan so a technician can custom-make the veneer to blend in with neighbouring teeth. Once the veneer is ready, patients will return to the dentist approximately two weeks later for application. With proper maintenance, porcelain veneers can also last up to 10-15 years.
As for composite veneers, they are a quicker treatment and are complete in a single visit. The dentist applies composite veneers by placing the composite material directly onto the tooth’s surface, moulding it to fit the existing tooth, and setting it with ultraviolet light. However, the convenience of composite veneers comes at a cost, as they only last a couple of years.
Crown vs Veneer Cost
The cost of dental crowns can vary significantly, although dental crowns are generally more cost-effective than veneers.
Metal crowns are the most affordable option, while porcelain and ceramic crowns are pricier due to their versatility. Crowns typically range from $500 to $2,500 per tooth, depending on the material selected.
On the other hand, composite veneers cost around $650 to $1,000 per tooth, and porcelain veneers cost approximately $2,000 per tooth.
Choosing the Right Treatment to Fix Your Dental Problems
Crowns are a more viable option for significant tooth damage as they provide full coverage and protection, restoring the tooth’s function and appearance. They are often recommended post-root-canal treatments and to hold a bridge correctly. Dental crowns also fix significant dental issues, such as fractured, decayed, or discoloured teeth.
On the other hand, veneers are recommended for aesthetic improvements as they preserve a more natural tooth structure while enhancing your smile’s appearance. Veneers can fix minor tooth damage but do not offer the same restoration and strength as crowns.
Furthermore, crowns do not have specific prerequisites, whereas veneers require the patient to have healthy gums as the process involves removing a thin layer of enamel. Additionally, if you have a habit of clenching or grinding teeth, the thin nature of dental veneers means they may not be a suitable option for you.
Trust Gentle Dental For The Best Cosmetic Dentistry Sydney
We hope this has helped you better understand the pros and cons of veneer vs crowns.
At Gentle Dental, we offer affordable cosmetic dentistry treatments, including custom veneers and crown options to suit your oral health needs. Our expert team of friendly dentists are here to guide you in deciding between dental crowns or veneers to achieve your smile goals.
With seven convenient clinic locations across Sydney and flexible hours, scheduling an appointment is easy. Using only contemporary methods and advanced technology, you can trust Gentle Dental to deliver durable dental crowns and veneers for a restored smile.
Book your appointment today for specialist cosmetic dentists who provide the best dental care in Sydney.
