What Is the Difference Between Veneers and Crowns, and Which One Is the Better Option for Me?

Both veneers and crowns are types of dental restorations that can be used to improve the appearance and performance of a patient’s teeth. The most significant distinction between the two is that a veneer will just cover the front surface of your tooth, while a crown will cover the complete tooth.

Because there are multiple options for dental repair, it is essential that you carefully consider each one before deciding which one to pursue. Even though the processes are distinct, they both have a high success rate.

The following is an examination of the distinctions between veneers and crowns, as well as the benefits and drawbacks associated with each application.

What sets a crown apart from a veneer, and how are they applied?

A veneer is a fragile layer of porcelain or other materials, with a thickness of about one millimeter (mm), glued to the front of your existing tooth. Veneers can also be made from different materials.

A crown has a thickness of around 2 millimeters and covers the entire tooth. It may be composed of pure porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), or an entirely different metal alloy.

The state of your teeth and the issue you are attempting to correct will determine whether a veneer or a crown is the better option. The most common reasons for needing dental work include stained teeth.

Teeth that are deteriorated or weakened by damage such as chipping, cracking, or breaking

crooked teeth

The color of your crowns and veneers will match the color of your teeth, except for all-metal crowns.

What exactly is a veneer?

A veneer will only cover the surface of your tooth that is visible when you smile. Because more of your natural tooth structure is preserved during the preparation process, they are a less invasive option than crowns.

Approximately half a millimeter of the enamel on the front of the tooth is ground down to roughen the surface in preparation for bonding the veneer. Because the grinding could be uncomfortable, a local anesthetic can be necessary for this procedure. There are also more modern varieties of veneers that reduce the amount of tooth surface grinding required.

Your tooth needs to have sufficient enamel on it so that the veneer can adhere to it for it to perform effectively.

What is the price for a veneer?

The cost of veneers and crowns might vary considerably. Your tooth’s size, location in your mouth, and the going rate in your community all factor into the final price.

The majority of dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic dental procedures. Additionally, most dental plans include a coverage cap that is reached once each year. Check with your insurance provider to determine what they will cover for you.

The American Cosmetic Dentistry organization estimates that the price of a veneer might range anywhere from $925 to $2,500 for each tooth.

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, porcelain veneers come at a higher price point than composite veneers but last for a significantly more extended period. Composite veneers might cost anywhere from $250 to $1,500 per tooth as a treatment option, but check up-to-date sources like https://dentakay.com/veneers-vs-crowns/ for the most accurate information.