Are you considering getting dental work done to improve the appearance of your teeth? If so, what are the notable differences in the veneers vs. crowns debate? Both dental veneers and dental crowns can give your teeth a more polished look, but there are some significant differences between the two. Here’s a comparison to help you decide what’s right for you.
What are dental crowns and dental veneers?
Both veneers and crowns are restorative dentistry procedures designed to preserve the natural look and function of the teeth. However, dental veneers are used primarily for minor damage and aesthetic purposes, whereas dental crowns support both functional and aesthetic purposes.
In a nutshell, veneers vs crowns are only a dilemma if you consider them solely for cosmetic purposes or if your teeth have minor damage. For teeth that have extensive damage, veneers are not really an option.
What are dental crowns used for?
Dental crowns, also known as ‘caps,’ are used to cover a tooth that is damaged or decayed. They can also strengthen a tooth with a large filling or support a weakened tooth following a root canal procedure. Crowns can also replace missing teeth by supporting a dental bridge and play a significant role in the dental implant procedure. In short, dental crowns are recommended for a variety of reasons.
Crowns come in various guises, including porcelain, metal, or ceramic. Your dentist will determine the type of crown that is best for you based on the location and function of the tooth that is being restored.
What are dental veneers used for?
Dental veneers are thin, tooth-coloured shells bonded to your teeth’ front surfaces. They are designed to improve the appearance of your smile by correcting various dental issues, including minor damage and aesthetics, such as:
- gaps between teeth
- chipped or cracked teeth
- misshapen teeth
- teeth that are stained or discoloured
- teeth that are too small
Veneers come in two main types: porcelain and composite resin, and are an effective way to achieve your dream smile.
Veneers vs Crowns: Dental Veneers Pros and Cons
Dental veneers advantages
- Depending on your cosmetic needs, you can have just a single veneer or a full mouth of veneers.
- Saves on long-term orthodontic work if you just want to improve your smile. Between 4 and 10 veneers can be affixed in a row to create a straight, white and even smile.
- Once placed on the front of the teeth, dental veneers instantly change your appearance.
- Porcelain veneers are naturally resistant to staining.
- Compared to crowns, there is minimal removal of the tooth’s structure.
- Composite veneers require no removal of the tooth’s structure.
- Porcelain veneers are a permanent solution and can last up to 15 years.
- Composite veneers are a temporary solution and can last between 5 and 7 years.
- Dental veneers provide a natural-looking result.
Dental veneers disadvantages
- The procedure is irreversible (unless you have composite veneers, which a dentist can remove to return your teeth to their natural state).
- Oral health issues, such as tooth decay or gum disease, must be treated before veneer treatment.
- Dental veneers can be prone to chipping or damage if subjected to repeated pressure. Thus, crunching ice cubes, biting your nails or teeth grinding (bruxism) can be a problem.
- Even if your veneers are colour-matched to your teeth, in time, your natural teeth may discolour, making the whiteness of your veneers stand out.
- The cost may be prohibitive as veneers are generally expensive.
Veneers vs Crowns: Dental Crowns Pros and Cons
Advantages of dental crowns 
- Dental crowns are a long-term option lasting up to 15 years.
- Crowns are permanent.
- A crown can be used in a dental bridge to replace one or more missing teeth.
- Various materials provide a choice of finishes, e.g. porcelain, gold, porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM).
- Crowns have a high success rate at sustaining tooth function.
Disadvantages of dental crowns
- A tooth has to be ground down to accommodate a crown. Therefore, once a crown is placed, it is irreversible.
- Occasionally, a dental crown may make the tooth sensitive to hot and cold. However, using toothpaste specifically formulated for tooth sensitivity can help to relieve this.
- Some crown materials may be prone to chipping—particularly if undue stress is placed on them from habits such as teeth grinding (bruxism).
- The cement holding the crown may disintegrate and wash away, causing the crown to loosen and allowing bacteria underneath. This can result in tooth decay, and the crown may need replacing or refitting. It is vital to have regular check-ups by a dentist to make sure your crowned tooth is still healthy.
Veneers vs crowns—what’s best?
It is essential to consider each procedure’s merits before deciding on a course of action. The pros and cons of crowns and veneers should be assessed fully with your dentist, considering your health, function and cosmetic goals, and personal preferences.
If you would like to find out more about crowns and veneers, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. We’re currently running an amazing offer on veneers that can be completed in a day. Schedule an appointment with Sydney Laser Dental Care today.
Pyrmont: (02) 9158 6213
Illawong: (02) 9158 6756
Sylvania Waters: (02) 9159 6083
References
Medical News Today: What to expect from root canal treatment
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/142780
Mayo Clinic: Bruxism (teeth grinding)
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/bruxism/symptoms-causes/syc-20356095#:~:text=Bruxism%20(BRUK%2Dsiz%2Dum,a%20sleep%2Drelated%20movement%20disorder.
Colgate: Cavities
https://www.colgate.com/en-gb/oral-health/cavities
