Full Coverage Crowns vs Veneers
Full coverage crowns and veneers will both improve the appearance of your teeth, and each restoration has its own list of advantages and disadvantages.
Crowns and veneers are both dental restoration solutions that will improve the look and function of your teeth. The primary difference is that a veneer covers only the front of your tooth, and a crown covers the entire tooth.
Dental restoration treatments can be expensive, so it is best to know which option will be the best solution for you. Although the treatments are slightly different, both choices have good success rates.
What is the Difference Between a Veneer and a Crown?
A veneer is an incredibly thin layer of porcelain or another material, only 1 millimeter in thickness, which is permanently bonded to the front surface of your tooth.
A crown is about 2 millimeters thick and will cover the entire tooth. It might be all porcelain, or porcelain fused to a metal alloy, or an all-metal alloy.
Whether a crown or a veneer is best for you will depend on the condition of your tooth and what it is you are trying to repair or improve. Common conditions for a veneer or crown restoration are:
- A crooked tooth.
- Discolored tooth.
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth.
- A decayed or weakened tooth.
What is a Crown?
A full coverage crown will cover the entire visible part of a tooth. With a crown restoration, more of the tooth surface will need to be ground down to prepare for the placement.
If you have a decayed tooth, your dentist will first remove the decay before creating the crown. Your tooth might need to be reinforced to support the crown. Your tooth may also need to be built up if it has had some damage. You may need a local anesthetic for this treatment.
What is a Veneer?
A veneer covers only the front surface of your tooth. It is not as invasive as a crown, because the preparation work leaves more of your original tooth.
Around half a millimeter of the natural enamel on the front of your tooth is removed for the bonding of the veneer. Some newer versions of veneers now remove even less of the tooth. You may need a local anesthetic for this process.
How Do You Know Which One is Right for You?
Both crowns and veneers will improve both your smile and the function of your teeth. Both options can be costly, especially if more than one tooth is being treated.
Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic improvements, like covering crooked or chipped teeth, especially any front teeth.
Full coverage crowns are better when a tooth has a lot of decay, is broken, or will need a root canal. Crowns are also more appropriate when there is a dental bridge being recommended. If the tooth has a dental filling, has a root canal, or is cracked or very worn, a full coverage crown will be the best solution.
If the tooth is healthy and the restoration is primarily for cosmetic purposes, a veneer could be the best option. Veneers can also be used for minor shape corrections.
Continue to schedule regular dental checkups and exercise good dental hygiene, which together are vital for maintaining your crown or veneer and the balance of your natural teeth.