Full Coverage Crowns vs. Veneers
If you're considering options to improve your smile, you've probably come across two popular procedures, dental crowns and veneers. Both treatments are effective for repairing teeth and enhancing your appearance, but they aren't the same. Each option is designed to address specific dental needs and understanding the difference will help you make the best choice for your teeth. If you’re in the market for either full coverage crowns or veneers, read on to learn more about them and the biggest differences between the two.
What Are Dental Crowns?
A full coverage crown is a tooth-shaped cap that completely covers your tooth. Crowns surround the entire tooth from top to bottom and offer protection and strength. Dentists recommend crowns for teeth that are seriously damaged or decayed, have cracks, or have undergone a root canal. By covering the whole tooth, a crown restores both its shape and strength, protecting it from further damage.
Dental crowns can be made from a variety of materials, including porcelain, ceramic, gold, or metal alloys. Porcelain or ceramic crowns closely match natural tooth colors, making them perfect for front teeth where looks matter most. Metal crowns are very durable, so they’re usually recommended for the back teeth, which do most of the chewing.
What Are Veneers?
Unlike crowns, veneers are thin shells that cover only the front surface of a tooth. Veneers are typically made from porcelain and generally are used to improve the look of teeth that are stained, chipped, uneven, or slightly crooked. Veneers are primarily cosmetic treatments designed to enhance a person’s smile versus provide structural supports. Veneers are thinner than crowns and require minimal tooth preparation, making them a good option if your teeth don’t need significant repair.
What's the Difference?
Crowns and veneers differ in several important ways.
- The biggest difference between veneers and full coverage crowns is how they fit onto the teeth. Crowns fully surround the tooth, providing comprehensive support and strength. Veneers, on the other hand, only cover the front surface of the tooth, making them ideal for minor aesthetic improvements rather than major restorations.
- Another major difference is the purpose they serve. Crowns are usually recommended if the tooth has significant structural damage, decay, or needs extensive support. They are stronger and can handle heavy chewing pressures, especially on back teeth. Veneers are best when the teeth are healthy, but their appearance needs improving.
- Durability is another key difference between full coverage crowns and veneers. Crowns generally last longer than veneers. They usually last between 10 to 15 years or more, depending on how well they are cared for. Veneers typically last around 7 to 10 years but may require replacement sooner if they become chipped or cracked.
- Cost is also a key difference. Dental crowns often cost more than veneers due to the additional materials used and more involved procedure required. The exact cost difference will depend on the materials selected and the complexity of each individual case.
What Does This Mean for Me?
Ultimately, the best option depends on your specific needs, budget, and goals. Speak with your dentist today and they will discuss these factors with you and recommend whether a dental crown or veneers will best help you achieve a healthier, more attractive smile.