A cracked, chipped, misshapen, misaligned, or stained tooth will likely affect your smile and confidence. Even a minor issue with one or more of your teeth will make you feel unattractive, thereby affecting your social life. Fortunately, dentists have solutions for all kinds of tooth imperfections. Some solutions restore your damaged tooth, improve its appearance, and boost your confidence.
Dental crowns and veneers are some of your treatment options for chipped, stained, misaligned, or cracked teeth. However, they are applied in different situations and for various reasons. It helps to know their difference and the treatment procedure for effective decision-making. A skilled dentist will help you understand why you should choose veneers over crowns, and vice versa.
An Overview of Dental Veneers
Veneers are thin layers of composite resin or porcelain that dentists attach to the outer part of a visible tooth. They are usually thin, about one millimeter in thickness, so they do not change the tooth’s thickness. Although veneers are mainly for cosmetic purposes, they can cover some imperfections on your teeth, improving your appearance and confidence. For example, a veneer can cover discoloration, unevenness, cracks, or breakages on a tooth. They can also change the size and shape of a tooth to restore or improve your smile.
Veneers are preferred by many because they are relatively easy to apply. The procedure to receive a veneer is non-invasive because less preparation is required on your tooth before a veneer is attached. This also means that much of your natural teeth are left intact.
If your dentist determines you to be a perfect veneer candidate, they will discuss your options and treatment. You will start by choosing the material of veneers you wish to have, whether composite resin or porcelain. Your dentist will also take impressions of your teeth to create a veneer that will fit perfectly.
Veneers are created in the dental lab. You will need a temporary veneer to protect your already prepared tooth before the actual one is ready. Once ready, your dentist will prepare the tooth for application. The preparation process is usually minimal to save as much of the natural tooth as possible. This is necessary to give the veneer a perfect fit. However, it could be uncomfortable, necessitating local anesthesia.
Once the dentist reshapes the tooth, they apply a dental cement to hold the veneer in place. The veneer is attached to the tooth and allowed to harden and attach properly. Finally, the dentist will polish it to give it a perfect look and feel.
You need a maximum of two appointments to improve the appearance of your teeth using dental veneers. In the first appointment, you will discuss your options, narrow them down to one, and start the treatment process. You will return to the dentist’s office to apply once the restorations are ready. If you or the dentist are unsatisfied with how your veneers fit, they can make minor adjustments before cementing them in place.
Veneers can remain intact for years after placement. Their lifespan varies significantly between porcelain and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers can last for between 10 and 15 years, while composite veneers generally last for 5 to 7 years. However, you must care for them well to enjoy a long time of service. This includes maintaining oral hygiene and avoiding habits like clenching or grinding your teeth, which can cause damage.
An Overview of Dental Crowns
Crowns also treat imperfect teeth, whether cracked or broken in an accident, or otherwise damaged by a cavity. They preserve a natural tooth and restore its shape, structure, and functionality by encasing or covering it. Crowns also give a severely damaged tooth a new look and feel, restoring your confidence to smile.
Dentists have used dental crowns for years as one of the leading solutions for covering a wide range of dental imperfections. Dentists fit caps on damaged or imperfect teeth during their placement to cover the tooth and hide its imperfection. The tooth is also protected from further damage.
Receiving a dental crown will require you to visit the dentist’s office several times. It starts with a dental examination and a review of your treatment history. A physical exam is necessary to ascertain the health of your existing teeth, gums, and jawbone. The dentist can order an X-ray to examine the underlying structures of your teeth. If there is an existing problem, for example, an infection, the dentist will treat it first before giving you a dental crown.
After examination, the dentist will create impressions of the tooth that requires a crown. Since crowns are also made in the dental lab, the dentist must create one that will fit the tooth perfectly. They will pay attention to the shape, breadth, and length of the existing tooth to ensure that the crown restores it to its natural shape. Additionally, the dentist will prepare the tooth to receive the crown.
Tooth preparation for a dental crown can be painful and uncomfortable because the dentist must remove all damaged parts of the tooth. Thus, you will need anesthesia to bear it and remain calm throughout the process. The dentist will give you a temporary crown to protect the prepared tooth before your permanent crowns are ready. Once they are, you will return to the dentist’s office for placement.
Dentists use dental cement to attach the crown to the tooth. Before attacking it permanently, your dentist will test to see how well, or otherwise, it fits. They can make a few adjustments before cementing the crown in place.
Dental crowns can remain beautiful and strong for years. However, you must take good care of them to enjoy a long time of service through excellent oral hygiene habits. Your dentist will also discuss harmful habits, like smoking and teeth grinding, that can damage your crown.
Reasons to Choose Veneers Over Dental Crowns
Veneers and dental crowns serve almost the same purpose, but in different applications. They cover imperfections in teeth, restore the shape or length of a tooth, and improve your smile. However, you must understand their differences and when to choose one over the other for effective decision-making. A skilled dentist will help you in this process and through the treatment process. Here are some of the reasons you should go for veneers and not crowns:
Veneers Preserve More of Your Natural Teeth
A veneer is an excellent way to improve the appearance of a damaged or discolored tooth while conserving it. When preparing your tooth for a veneer, the dentist makes minimal preparation on it, without removing much of its enamel, as happens right before receiving a crown. The sides and back of your natural tooth are not touched during this preparation. Only the front surface requires a little roughening so the veneer can attach properly to the tooth.
Minimal alterations to your tooth for veneers make the application less invasive. This could be your best option if you need to improve your teeth’s appearance but are scared of pain or discomfort before and after treatment. Your prepared tooth can also function even after removing the veneer.
The application of dental crowns is invasive, as the dentist needs to prepare your tooth well to receive the crown. They have to remove the damaged part and shape the tooth. In the process, you could lose more of your tooth enamel. Also, the process can be painful and uncomfortable, necessitating anesthesia. It also takes longer to heal after receiving dental crowns than you need after veneers. A prepared tooth cannot function after removing the crown.
Veneers Are For Minor Dental Problems
Tooth damage requires immediate treatment to protect the tooth from further damage and restore your confidence and smile. Some damages are minor, while others are moderate or severe. The extent of your tooth’s damage will determine the treatment options your dentist will suggest once you visit them. Some treatments, like veneers, are used on minor problems, while crowns are best suited for major dental problems.
If one or more of your teeth becomes discolored, has a small cavity, or has cracked or broken, a veneer can fix that. The veneer covers the front part of the tooth to hide the imperfection and improve the tooth’s shape, length, and functionality. However, a veneer cannot cover a central cavity or restore a tooth with a significant crack or breakage. Veneers can also fix a minor misalignment without the need to wear braces.
Thus, you do not need to pay more, spend more time, or endure an invasive treatment to receive a dental crown for a minor issue that you can fix using a veneer. Besides, veneers can remain intact, appealing, and strong for years before you need a replacement.
Veneers are Cost Effective
Dental treatment costs are essential when choosing a solution for your damaged or discolored teeth. Fortunately, dentists have a variety of options for all budgets. You can choose a cost-effective option like veneers or an expensive one like crowns. However, remember that your choice must align with the severity of the tooth damage. If you are on a budget, you can quickly improve your teeth’s appearance using veneers. This is a great way to cover imperfections on your teeth and enhance your smile and confidence without breaking the bank.
Although veneers cost less than crowns, how much you pay for treatment depends on several factors, including a dentist’s expertise and the lab technician’s artistic skill. Your cost will also depend on the material you choose for your veneers. Composite veneers are more cost-friendly than porcelain veneers, although the latter are stronger and less staining.
As you consider the cost of treatment, note that insurance companies do not cover most cosmetic dental procedures. Dental veneers are categorized under cosmetic dentistry, meaning your insurance provider may not cover them. You could pay less for an expensive treatment if your insurance covers part of the treatment than for a cost-friendly one not covered by insurance.
Veneers Cause Less Sensitivity on Teeth
Sensitivity is a common side effect of most dental restoration treatments. It is mainly caused by the kind of preparation your tooth receives before receiving a restoration. If you need extensive preparation for your damaged tooth, and the dentist removes most of its enamel, the tooth will likely be sensitive even after treatment. Veneers result in less sensitivity because of the less preparation needed before you receive one. However, you could experience temporary sensitivity after treatment, which can wear off after a day or two.
Sensitivity will make you uncomfortable when eating or enjoying your favorite foods and drinks. Severe sensitivity will also affect your speaking and your teeth’s overall functionality. If this worries you, you should consider veneers over dental crowns.
When preparing your tooth for a crown, a dentist must remove most of the enamel to shape the tooth for a perfect fit. The more grinding they do on your tooth, the more sensitive it can be. Your dentist will advise you to allow enough time for your treated tooth to heal before eating your usual foods. You can start with soft foods and gradually incorporate other foods into your diet.
Veneers Give a More Aesthetic Appeal
Veneers are used in cosmetic dentistry to improve the appearance. They are fixed on the outer surface of a tooth to give it a newer, fresher, and whiter appeal. They cover imperfections on your teeth and improve their general appearance. The appeal can last years, depending on how well you care for them.
Dental crowns also improve your tooth’s appearance, but their primary function is to restore the shape, length, and functionality of a severely damaged tooth. If the remaining natural tooth discolored over time after receiving a crown, the beauty of your smile will be affected because the color of the crown and the tooth will vary.
Dental Veneers Give You Instant Results
Receiving a dental veneer requires less time than receiving a crown. You need a maximum of two visits to the dentist’s office to change the appearance of your teeth. Some people receive dental veneers the same day they visit their dentist’s office for consultation. The dentist only needs to make minor preparations of the affected tooth and create veneers that fit the tooth. Once everything is ready, you will have better-looking teeth and a smile.
Find a competent Dentist Near Me
If you have a fractured, cracked, misaligned, misshapen, or discolored tooth in Lakewood, a skilled dentist can help restore or improve its appearance. Your treatment options will include veneers and dental crowns. However, veneers are better than crowns if the damage to your tooth is minor or you need instant results. Your dentist can explain the two options and guide you to the right choice.
At The Lakewood Dentist, we recommend veneers over crowns if you need a minor improvement on your teeth that is less invasive and cost-effective. We can explain the treatment process and start the process to improve your teeth’s appearance and smile. Call us at 562-423-1441 to learn more about veneers and our services.