Dental veneers and crowns are two kinds of restorative options you can use to save or protect your smile. These two can enhance the function and appearance of your teeth. Since they tend to offer similar benefits, many individuals assume that veneers and crowns are the same, with some even using the terms interchangeably.
However, whereas these two dental solutions may appear similar, they have some noticeable differences. In this blog, we look at the differences between dental veneers and crowns in terms of the treatment procedure, how they function, and when each option is used to help you determine which option best suits your needs.
What Are Crowns?
A crown refers to a customized cap in the shape of a tooth that fits over a severely decayed, weak, or damaged tooth. The dental crown restores the tooth’s shape, strength, appearance, and size, enabling you to chew or bite more comfortably while reducing the likelihood of tooth damage or loss. Dental professionals commonly recommend dental crowns to:
- Support teeth that have undergone root canal treatment
- Protect damaged, cracked, fractured, or decayed teeth
- Cover large dental fillings
- Enhance the teeth’s cosmetic appearance
Crowns are usually bonded to the rear teeth (molars), although you can use them on virtually any tooth. A crown covers the tooth completely. That means the dentist will have to file down much of the affected tooth before placing the crown. If you are placing a crown due to tooth decay, your dental professional must scrape out the decayed portion and likely rebuild part of the tooth to anchor the crown securely.
There are various types of dental crowns based on the material from which they are molded. These are porcelain, PFM (porcelain-fused-to-metal), metal, and ceramic crowns. Your dental professional will mold the dental crown to fit over the tooth snugly and cement it into place.
What Are Dental Veneers?
Dental veneers are thin ceramic or porcelain shells that are cemented onto the front surface of a tooth or teeth. Usually, these dental restorations are only approximately 1 mm thick. Thus, they are generally not suitable for addressing significant tooth decay or damage, unlike crowns. Instead, these dental restorations are used to enhance a person’s smile. Your dental professional can recommend dental veneers in the following situations:
- When your teeth are yellow or stained
- When your teeth are slightly uneven, misshapen, or asymmetrical teeth
- When you have minor gaps between teeth
- When you have minor chips or cracks in your teeth
Before placing veneers, your dentist must prepare the tooth first. Preparation entails grinding down a thin enamel layer, approximately one-half of a millimeter thick, from the tooth’s front surface. The enamel will not grow back. However, it must be removed to enable the veneers to bond easily onto the tooth, as dental cement adheres best to a rougher surface. But the extent of tooth enamel the dentist must remove can vary based on the type of veneer. Note that veneers are only attached to teeth with sufficient natural enamel.
Veneers reflect light like enamel. Thus, they appear natural, blending with the patient’s smile. Since only a thin enamel layer is extracted, veneers are considered a non-invasive cosmetic dental solution, with the placement procedure leaving much of the natural tooth intact. Veneers are customized for each patient so they firmly cover the front surface of the tooth.
How Are Crowns and Veneers Similar?
Both crowns and veneers are dental solutions that enhance the function and appearance of teeth. Generally, they are used for restoring damaged teeth, whether they are crooked, discolored, cracked, decayed, broken, or chipped. Crowns and veneers are both customized to resemble the color shade of a patient’s natural teeth, except for metal dental crowns, to provide a complete, seamless smile.
After they are placed, it is hard to tell a crown and a veneer apart, as they each will have the same impact on the smile. Both crowns and dental veneers are usually cared for in much the same manner. You will have to brush your teeth twice daily, including those with veneers or crowns, and floss once daily to eliminate food debris. You will also need to schedule routine dental appointments to have restorations examined and to receive professional cleaning.
Difference Between Veneers and Crowns
There are several key differences between veneers and dental crowns. The most significant ones include the following:
Tooth Coverage
The primary difference between crowns and veneers is the way they fit over teeth and why patients need them. A dental crown covers the whole tooth, offering a protective shield. On the other hand, a veneer covers only the front surface of a tooth to enhance its appearance. This generally makes dental veneers more visually attractive than crowns, since they reveal less of the gum margin.
Dental crowns are thicker compared to veneers (2 mm vs. 1 mm). They are also more permanent. For veneers, you might have to replace them after a set period has passed. On the contrary, crowns may last a lifetime.
Purpose of the Treatment
Veneers are primarily a cosmetic dentistry option. They are placed to enhance the overall appearance or symmetry of a patient’s smile. Dental crowns are a restorative procedure, but they can also be used for cosmetic purposes. As a restorative treatment, they are used to provide structural support and protect decayed, damaged, or weak teeth, restoring their function and strength. As a cosmetic procedure, they are used for the same reasons as veneers. Dental crowns can also be used on any type of tooth, while dental veneers are meant for the front-facing teeth only.
Placement Process
The application processes for crowns and dental veneers are similar but differ in some respects. First, before you receive veneers or crowns, your dental professional will numb the tissue and gum around the specific tooth undergoing treatment using local anesthesia. After numbing, the dentist will carefully shape the affected tooth or teeth, which involves the shaving of the tooth enamel.
Here is where the difference lies: With veneers, the dentist will shave only a thin layer of enamel so the veneer can attach to the tooth easily. Crowns, on the other hand, involve grinding more enamel. However, both these processes are irreversible. That is because when the enamel is removed, it does not grow back. Therefore, you will always need to have them covered, either by crowns, veneers, or another dental restoration.
The veneer placement process generally requires two visits to the dentist. During the initial visit, the dental professional will prep the tooth, take an impression, and then place a temporary covering if necessary. They will then send the impression to the lab, which will customize the veneer to resemble your smile. During the second appointment, the dentist will try the veneers, adjust for color and comfort, and bond them firmly to the tooth. The objective is an outcome that looks polished and blends in naturally.
The placement procedure for crowns also requires two dental visits. At the first appointment, the dental professional will remove damaged structure or decay before shaping the tooth. They will then take an impression of the tooth and attach a temporary dental crown while they send the impression to the lab to fabricate the permanent crown. During the second appointment, the dental professional will check the fit of the permanent dental crown before bonding it securely to the tooth.
Not all dental veneer cases require temporary coverings, though many do. Dental crowns generally require temporary crowns because the prepared tooth cannot be left exposed.
Durability After Treatment
Crowns and veneers generally last ten to fifteen years. With proper care, they can last longer. However, both of these dental restorations experience daily wear and tear from chewing and biting, so they usually must be repaired or replaced at some point.
The Cost Difference and Insurance Coverage
Cost is a significant factor for many patients considering dental treatment. The costs of veneers and dental crowns differ. Veneers cost $925 to $2,500 per tooth. Conversely, the price range for crowns usually falls between $1,000 and $3,500 per tooth.
Various factors influence the price range for both veneers and dental crowns. Making a detailed assessment is crucial for precise budgeting. The dentist’s qualifications significantly affect the price, with specialist dental professionals generally charging more for their extensive experience and advanced training.
Geographic location also creates significant price variations. Metropolitan areas command higher fees due to higher market demand and overhead costs. Rural practices usually offer more competitive rates while maintaining quality standards. This makes shopping for location a feasible cost-saving strategy for some patients.
The material used to make the dental restorations also affects the pricing. For example, ceramic and porcelain crowns are more costly than all-metal crowns. When it comes to veneers, porcelain ones are more costly than composite veneers, though they last longer. The cost of composite veneers ranges between $250 and $1,500 per tooth.
Material sourcing and laboratory relationships also impact final costs. Dental practices that use exclusive material suppliers or premium laboratories might charge higher rates but often deliver high-quality outcomes. Other factors that influence pricing include tooth size and the amount of preparation required. Knowing these elements will help you assess whether premium fees translate to better results.
Additional considerations for cost include the following:
- Temporary restoration charges during treatment stages
- Follow-up visit charges for refinements and adjustments
- Possible complications necessitating additional procedures
- Financing costs for extended payment plans
Since crowns are considered a restorative treatment, many dental insurance plans cover a percentage of their cost. Some plans generally cover 50% of the cost after the deductible is met. So, if your dental crowns cost $2,000 and your insurance covers 50%, your out-of-pocket cost after the deductible will be roughly $1,000.
Veneers are usually classified as a cosmetic treatment and are therefore not usually covered by insurance. If you need a veneer treatment, you will have to pay the entire cost out of pocket. Some insurance plans will pay for dental veneers if the tooth is fractured or chipped (since the restoration will be for functional reasons), but that is an exception, not a rule.
Whether you require a crown or a veneer, your dental professional may provide you with a flexible payment plan or financing option to make either procedure affordable based on your financial situation.
Which Option Should I Choose?
Because crowns and veneers appear to serve essentially the same functions, many people think they can use them interchangeably. That is not true. Your dental professional will suggest one procedure over another contingent on your oral healthcare needs and goals. If you wish to enhance the appearance of your teeth, especially the front ones, veneers are the ideal option.
However, if you wish to safeguard and improve the appearance of a single damaged tooth, go for a crown. Your overall oral health will also determine which option is right for you. Crowns are generally the ideal choice if you have a considerably damaged tooth, a tooth with a large dental filling, or one that has undergone root canal therapy, since the enamel is weakened and will require better protection.
Veneers are ideal for cosmetic reasons. If your teeth are healthy and you only need to improve their appearance or slightly shape them, your dental professional will more likely recommend veneers. If you are unsure which treatment option to select, consult your dental professional. They can evaluate your dental health and recommend the ideal procedure that suits your needs.
Contact an Experienced Dental Professional Near Me
Comparing and contrasting veneers and crowns will help you make an informed decision about which option best suits your needs. If you are still not sure after assessing the differences and similarities, you want to seek a dentist’s advice. They can evaluate your oral health and determine whether crowns, veneers, or another option is ideal for you.
At SoCal Dental of Agoura, we can help you achieve the smile of your dreams with either procedure. Whether your teeth need full restoration with crowns or you wish to enhance the beauty of your smile using veneers, we will ensure your procedure is comfortable and relaxing. Apart from veneers and crowns, we are also experts in all other dental procedures. We use advanced dental technology to ensure our patients have an unforgettable dental experience. If you are in Agoura Hills and are looking to undergo any dental procedure, call us at 818-597-0100 to schedule a visit.
