Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Is Right for You?

Veneers vs. Crowns: Which Is Right for You?

Did you know that 48 percent of Americans have untagged themselves in a photo on Facebook because they didn’t like the way their smile looked?

Have you ever done this? If so, what is it about your smile that you don’t appreciate? 

If you’re unhappy with the color, alignment, or general state of your teeth, there are a lot of procedures that can improve the way they look. The two most popular are porcelain veneers and crowns.

Not sure where you stand on the veneers vs crowns debate? Read on to learn more about each of these options and figure out which one is best for you.

What Are Veneers?

Porcelain veneers are thin, custom-made shells that fit over your natural teeth.

Many people opt for porcelain veneers when their teeth are chipped or misshapen. Dentists can also place veneers to cover up gaps in the teeth.

What Are Crowns?

Crowns, on the other hand, are prosthetic restorations of teeth.

They’re cemented on teeth that are cracked or have experienced severe decay. Crowns cover 360 drgrees around the exterior portion of the tooth, but they can extend to the root surface as well.

Veneers vs Crowns

Both crowns and veneers have their place in the cosmetic dentistry world. The right option for you will vary depending on a number of factors.

Listed below are some of the pros and cons of both veneers and crowns:

Pros of Veneers

Porcelain veneers are perfect for individuals who are dealing with minor dental imperfections.

If you have chipped or worn teeth, or teeth that are slightly crooked or have gaps between them, veneers are a great option. They yield similar results to other more invasive dental procedures but don’t come with the same recovery time.

Porcelain veneers are also a great fit for folks who have stained teeth that don’t respond well to bleaching.

No matter what your reason is for choosing porcelain veneers, you’ll get to enjoy the fact that they are strong and long-lasting.

Once they’re cemented in place, they’ll stay in place for about 10-20 years on average. They don’t stain easily either, so your pearly whites will stay pearly white for a long time.

Porcelain veneers also provide a highly natural finish. Unless they saw what your teeth looked like before the procedure, no one will know that you’ve had work done. 

Dr. Eshom also doesn’t have to remove much of the tooth enamel when putting veneers in place. This helps save your natural teeth and minimizes wear and tear.

Cons of Veneers

There are some potential downsides to porcelain veneers. 

This procedure can be costly, especially if you want to use it to cover several imperfections. If you only have a few issues you want to address, the cost won’t be too high. If you’re looking for a full smile makeover, though, veneers might not be the most cost-effective option. Finding an office that offers financing options may be in your best interest.

Veneers don’t increase tooth sensitivity as much as some dental procedures. Because some of the enamel has to be removed, though, some people do experience sensitivity following the procedure. In most cases, this sensitivity goes away within a few days of having the veneers placed.

Some people are also hesitant to try veneers because the procedure is irreversible. For most people this is a pro — they don’t want to go back to the way their smile looked once they see the final results.

Tooth structure is precious and we take it seriously so we only remove what is necessary for an excellent result. For folks who are unsure of whether they want to make a permanent change, it’s might be a good idea to talk to Dr. Eshom about other options that they can try before investing in veneers. Schedule a free consultation here.

Pros of Crowns

There are plenty of benefits to porcelain veneers. They’re not a good fit for everyone, though.

If you’re dealing with severe tooth decay or other issues, veneers might not cut it. In these cases, porcelain crowns might be a better choice.

Crowns are also a good option if the sides of the teeth have been damaged by teeth grinding or other issues. Veneers only cover only the front portion of the teeth. 

Like veneers, porcelain crowns produce a highly natural finish. Nobody will be able to tell that your teeth ever looked differently. 

When you opt for porcelain crowns, as with veneers, you also get to enjoy the fact that they are very durable and very difficult to stain. 

Crowns last quite a while, too. On average, they have a lifespan of five to 15 years as long as you take good care of them.  

They can be more affordable than veneers as well. This is because crowns can treat both aesthetic issues and functional issues. As a result, your insurance provider might be willing to cover part of the cost. Veneers are usually considered to be purely aesthetic and aren’t covered by insurance. 

Cons of Crowns

Crowns have their drawbacks. The teeth usually have to be ground down slightly more before crowns are placed, and less of the natural tooth is preserved.

While crowns may help improve the apparent alignment of your teeth, that’s not their main purpose. If you’re only dealing with minor crookedness, you’re probably better off choosing veneers instead.

As with veneers, crowns do produce some tooth sensitivity, and they are a permanent solution.

If you’re on the fence about permanently altering your teeth, you’ll need to talk to your Dr. Eshom about other procedures that might be a better fit for you.

Which Do You Choose?

As you can see, there are definite benefits to both veneers and crowns.

There’s not a clear winner in the veneers vs crowns fight. It all depends on your specific situation, budget, and goals.

Do you know which option you want to try?

Whether you know which one is right for you or you’re still on the fence, Dr. Eshom and his associates can help you with their professional opinions on enhancing your smile.

Contact us today to get a free estimate for one of the procedures or schedule an appointment.