Would you like to enhance your smile? Your dentist is ready to help you achieve your aesthetic and oral health goals for your teeth. There are a number of different treatments that might be suitable for your situation. For example, you may be a candidate for either crowns or veneers. Which option is right for you? Read on to learn how these two services compare to one another.
Crowns vs. Veneers: The Basics
A veneer is a custom-designed, very thin piece of porcelain that gets fitted over the outward-facing surface of a tooth. The goal of veneers is to disguise a broad range of aesthetic flaws, such as chips, cracks, and discoloration, while maintaining a smile that looks as natural as possible.
A crown does not simply cover one surface of the tooth. Rather, it is a cap that covers the entire portion of a tooth that protrudes above the gumline. Crowns can be constructed out of various materials, but dentists often favor ceramic and porcelain due to their natural appearance. In addition to enhancing how teeth look, crowns can also strengthen and protect vulnerable dentition.
Crowns vs. Veneers: A Comparison
Here is an overview of some key aspects of veneers and crowns:
- Purpose: Veneers are a purely cosmetic treatment. They are usually reserved exclusively for the teeth that are visible when you smile (although in rare cases, they can be placed on back teeth). Crowns, on the other hand, are primarily meant to be restorative. They protect damaged teeth and help them to function normally. They can be placed on virtually any tooth.
- Timing and treatment process. Both veneers and crowns usually require at least a couple of visits to the dentist’s office, and both require that the underlying teeth undergo permanent modification. However, the modification required for veneers is less extensive.
- Cost. A full set of veneers can cost tens of thousands of dollars, whereas getting just one or two veneers is much more affordable. Similarly, the price of crowns can vary depending on how many are needed and other factors. Often, crowns are partially covered by insurance. However, veneers are almost never covered.
Which Is Best for You?
Whether you should get crowns or veneers depends on your oral health, your goals for treatment, and other factors. Your dentist will evaluate your situation and design a custom treatment plan that is tailored just for you. Whichever service you undergo, you can look forward to a more beautiful smile!
Meet the Practice
The experts at Abington Family Dental Care proudly offer crowns, veneers, and a host of other treatments in our modern, welcoming office. If you would like to learn how we may be able to help you enjoy your ideal smile, get in touch with our knowledgeable team at 781-780-2658.