Veneers Vs. Cosmetic Crowns

Restoring the appearance and function of a tooth that suffers from decay, injuries, wear and tear, chipping, or other flaws can be done through various cosmetic and restorative procedures. Sometimes, a patient would like to have a more pleasant tooth shape or a fuller look. 

Two of the most common options for restoring teeth are veneers and crowns. They sometimes can be used to fix the same type of issue, so patients are often put into the position of choosing between the two. Dentists might also tend to recommend the procedure they are most confident with, but it’s not always the one that’s least invasive.

Here are some of the particularities that differentiate veneers from crowns, and vice versa. 

Veneers Pros and Cons

Veneers are wafer-thin sheets that are bonded on the outer surface of your teeth, to give them a fuller, more aligned, whiter, and smoother look. They are primarily fitted on the front teeth, but can also be used on the molars, to achieve a fuller look. A large number of patients get veneers on all visible teeth, but you can get them for one or as many teeth as you want. 

Pros:

• Veneers are less invasive than crowns, keeping the inside of your teeth intact. The more natural tooth structure you are able to keep, the better. 
  

• Veneers are easy to fit and won’t leave your teeth as prone to sensitivity compared to dental crowns. 
  

Cons:

• Veneers won’t be strong enough to support a tooth that is too affected by decay. In these cases, a crown is thicker and more recommended. 
  

Crowns Pros and Cons

Crowns are caps that are made to look like real teeth. They are either fitted on a real tooth that’s been filed down to a supporting shape, or to complete the restoration of a dental implant. 

Pros:

• A crown is designed to make your tooth strong, and withstand the forces you put on it when you chew and speak. 
  

• A crown protects the tooth after a root canal and works together with the natural roots of the tooth to preserve bone jaw health. 
  

Cons:

• Crowns are more invasive and they require more enamel to be filed off. 
  

Which Ones to Choose?

If you want to repair a damaged tooth or improve the look of your smile, it might be difficult to choose between getting veneers or crowns. The best way to find out which ones are most beneficial in your case is to be seen by a dentist and discuss what you want to achieve, what budget you have, and how experienced they are doing these procedures.

Dr. Victor Tran and his team at Origin Dental have years of experience giving bright, beautiful smiles to their patients, and master various methods of restoring and replacing teeth. Whether you need veneers or crowns, it depends on many factors. 

Contact us and we will present the best solutions with empathy and transparency.