Veneers vs crowns: have you ever wondered which one is better for your needs? Although some people might confuse these two treatments, they are separate operations that serve unique purposes and needs. Understanding their main aim can help you to make informed decisions. So let’s find out which treatment would steal your heart!
Veneers and crowns are both the most popular aesthetic dental restorations to improve the appearance and function of teeth. So, what's the difference between crowns and veneers? Veneers are thin, custom-made shells that cover only the front surface of the teeth. The primary aim of veneers is aesthetic. They can improve the appearance of discolored, chipped or misaligned teeth. To get a dental veneer, the dentist first removes a small amount of enamel from the front tooth and creates a place for the veneers. After removing the enamel, the dentist takes the impression of the tooth so that a custom-made veneer is created in the lab. When the veneers are ready, the dentist bonds them to the teeth with strong adhesive.
Dental crowns are much more thicker when compared to dental veneers. They cover the entire tooth, not just the front surface. As a result of this, crowns provide both aesthetic and functional benefits. They are like a dental cap that covers the whole teeth. Getting a dental crown is much more invasive than veneers because it requires more structure to be reduced for crown placement. The dentist would first shape the tooth to open a place for the crown, and then take an impression. Once the crowns are created in the lab, they cement them onto the tooth.
So, when it comes to veneers vs crowns, the key difference lies in their purpose. While veneers are mainly used for cosmetic reasons, crowns are used both for cosmetic and functional purposes. As crown covers the whole tooth and provide structural support, they are more durable to chipping or cracking than veneers. The process of veneers vs crowns also differs. As veneers only cover the front surface, a small enamel is removed from the natural tooth. However, for crowns, more reduction of natural teeth is necessary as it is a whole cap covering the tooth.
When deciding between veneers vs crowns, the choice depends on the condition of your teeth and your desires. Both of these treatments offer aesthetic results and have unique features.
Veneers are a great choice for people looking to enhance their appearance without changing their natural tooth structure. They can be applied to people who have relatively healthy teeth but have some slight dental issues such as:
Discoloration: If teeth whitening does not work for you and you have a permanently stained or discolored tooth, veneers can provide a bright and uniform look.
Minor chips or cracks: If you have minor chips or cracks, veneers can fix this problem.
Gaps between teeth: If you have a small gap between your teeth and it bothers you, veneers can be designed to close these gaps.
Slightly misaligned teeth: If your teeth are slightly misaligned but you don't need orthodontic treatment, veneers can offer you straight teeth.
Crowns are more suitable for individuals with significant dental issues beyond cosmetic concerns. As they cover the whole tooth, they provide both protection and a natural appearance. You might be suitable for the crown if you have the below symptoms:
Severely damaged or decayed teeth: If your tooth is severely damaged, decayed, or weakened, a dental crown might be the best option to restore its shape, size, and strength.
After a root canal treatment: Teeth can become more fragile after root canal treatment and might require a dental crown to protect them.
Cracked or fractured teeth: Crowns are necessary when a tooth is severely cracked and/or at risk of breaking further.
Worn-down teeth: Teeth that are worn down due to grinding, trauma or other factors beyond the surface can be restored with crowns.
Dental crowns are more durable than veneers and they offer better chewing and biting functionality. However, the treatment is more invasive than veneers as it involves reducing a significant portion of the tooth to place the crown. So, this makes crowns more suitable for teeth that are already compromised.
Veneers vs Crowns Pictures
When it comes to choosing between veneers vs crowns, finding a trustworthy and experienced clinic is essential. The outcome of these procedures depends on the skill and expertise of the dentist. Look for a dental clinic with experienced dentists with proven before and after photos of previous patients. Also, check for the clinic's accreditations and if they have a review page on independent platforms. Generally, these treatments take lots of sessions and are costly. Dental crowns and dental veneers in Turkey, however, offer both cost-effective, fast options with highly experienced dentists. The affordability comes from the exchange rate differences, government support for medical tourism and high competition between various clinics. However, the dentists in the country are typically much more experienced than their colleagues in Europe or the USA as they get the chance to treat thousands of patients each year all over the world. To learn more information about all-inclusive prices and details, you can reach out to one of our dental professionals!
Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). Dental crowns.
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Uddanwadiker, Rashmi. (2012). Study of various molar crown designs and their assessment. Journal of Biomedical Science and Engineering. 05. 629-633. 10.4236/jbise.2012.511077.
