Full Coverage Crowns vs Veneers
Full coverage crowns and veneers both improve the aesthetics and appearance of your teeth, and each restoration has its advantages and disadvantages.
Crowns and veneers are both dental restorations that improve the look and function of your teeth. The principal difference is that a veneer will cover just the front of your tooth, and a crown covers the entire tooth.
Dental restoration treatments can become expensive, so it is best to know which solution will be the best option for you. Although the treatments differ, both options have decent success rates.
What is the Difference Between a Veneer and a Crown
A veneer is an amazingly thin layer of porcelain or another material, only one millimeter in thickness, which is then permanently bonded to the front surface of your tooth.
A crown is approximately two millimeters thick and covers the entire tooth. It may 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 depends on the condition of your tooth and your goals and objectives regarding repair or improvement. Common conditions for a veneer or crown restoration are:
- A crooked tooth.
- A decayed or weakened tooth.
- Discolored tooth.
- Chipped, cracked, or broken tooth.
What is a Crown?
A full-coverage crown covers the entire visible part of a tooth, like a cap. With crown restoration, more of your tooth surface needs to be reduced and removed to prepare for the placement.
If you have a decayed tooth, your dentist will first remove any decay before proceeding with the crown. Your tooth may need to be reinforced to support the crown. Your tooth might also need to be increased in size if it has experienced some damage. You might also benefit from a local anesthetic for this treatment.
What is a Veneer?
A veneer covers just the front surface of your tooth. The process is not as invasive as a crown, because the preparation work leaves more of your natural tooth.
About half a millimeter of the natural enamel on the front of your tooth is removed to accommodate the bonding of the veneer. Newer versions of veneers now remove even less of your tooth. You may need a local anesthetic for this process.
How do You Know Which One is Right for You?
Crowns and veneers will both improve your smile and the function of your teeth. Both options may be costly, especially if more than one tooth is treated.
Veneers are placed primarily for cosmetic improvements, such as covering crooked or chipped teeth, especially any front teeth.
Full coverage crowns are a better choice when a tooth has a lot of decay, is broken, or needs a root canal. Crowns are more appropriate if there is a dental bridge that is recommended. If the tooth has a dental filling, has a root canal, or is cracked or worn, a full coverage crown will be the best solution.
If the tooth is healthy and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, a veneer may be the best option. Veneers can also be placed for minor shape corrections.
Schedule your regular dental checkups and continue to exercise good dental hygiene, which together are essential for maintaining your crown or veneer and all your natural teeth.
Related Article: Partial vs Full Coverage Crowns