Are you eager to enhance the natural beauty of your teeth? There are various restorative and cosmetic options available that can help to transform your pearly white to perfection. Dental crowns and veneers are both great when it comes to covering up imperfections, but they are quite different from each other. Read on to learn some of the pros and cons of veneers and crowns so you can determine which will best meet your needs and smile goals.
Veneers
This treatment involves using thin shells of tooth-colored porcelain to cover the front-facing surfaces of the teeth. It is ideal for masking cosmetic imperfections and protecting the prepared tooth from damage. This is a very popular solution because of it ability to cover a wide array of flaws.
Pros
- Veneers are more aesthetically pleasing long-term.
- This treatment only involves minimal enamel removal (about half a millimeter)
- Veneers can fix minor aesthetic issues, like uneven teeth, chips, or gaps.
- This procedure is less invasive.
Cons
- Covers only the front surface of your tooth, leaving the rest vulnerable to decay.
- Veneers are not reversable.
- Veneers are usually not covered by dental insurance because they are usually considered an elective treatment.
- Veneers aren’t ideal for severe tooth damage.
Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are hollow caps that are placed over the compromised tooth to protect it from further damage and decay. They can help to restore teeth to their normal function and appearance.
Pros
- Crowns cover the whole tooth, protecting it from decay.
- More similar in appearance to natural teeth.
- Ideal for severe dental issues and cosmetic damage.
- More durable than veneers.
Cons
- The procedure is more invasive than the process of getting veneers.
- More of the natural tooth enamel needs to be removed to make room for the crown.
- Additional soreness is present immediately after the procedure.
Veneers and crowns are both great ways to improve the appearance and function of your teeth. If you are looking for just a cosmetic solution, veneers may be the way to go. However, if your teeth have ensured significant damage, you may want to consider dental crowns.
The best way to decide for sure is by scheduling a consultation with your dentist. This way, you can discuss your options with your dentist to determine what’s best for you.
About the Practice
At Plaisance & Bostick Family Dentistry, Dr. Kerry Plaisance and Dr. Reese Bostick work together to treat patients in the River Ridge community. With their combined experience and expertise, patients can get pretty much anything they need under one roof. To learn more about veneers and dental crowns or to schedule an appointment, visit their website or call (504) 738-5171.