Most patients often consider crowns and veneers to repair their teeth after a fracture or wear, or to achieve a smile makeover, because both can make their teeth look whiter, better aligned, and more even, improving their smile. While the outcomes might seem similar, these two treatment options are different. Please continue reading this article to learn more about how they differ. 

What are Veneers

Veneers are thin layers of porcelain that a dentist bonds to your teeth. The veneer treatment is less invasive than getting crowns because the preparation requires minimal enamel removal.

There are different types of veneers, including the following:

  • Composite veneers—They hide mild cosmetic issues. The dentist uses composite resin to realize the patient's desired outcomes.
  • Porcelain veneers —They fix several aesthetic issues. Dentists custom-make them to fit patients' dental anatomy.
  • No-prep Veneers—They are the least invasive type; they require less enamel removal than conventional veneers. However, not everyone qualifies for these veneers. Your dentist can help you determine whether you are eligible. 

When Veneers are the Proper Choice

Veneers are suitable for you if your teeth are healthy but not visually appealing. Veneers are ideal if you want to address the following:

  • Stubborn discoloration — If teeth whitening is not adequate or you want to enhance your teeth's shade, veneers may be a good option.
  • Veneer treatment can close the gaps between your teeth
  • Veneers can be an excellent option for fixing small chips or worn edges on your teeth.
  • Smile refinement — Veneers can improve the shape, length, or width of your teeth
  • You can also consider veneers to make your smile more appealing

What are Dental Crowns

A tooth crown is like a hat; it fits over the entire tooth. Typically, dentists use it to restore decayed, broken, or weak teeth. To ensure a perfect fit, your dentist will remove some enamel before bonding the crown to your tooth.

There are different types of crowns. Your dentist should help you determine the type that suits your needs, preferences, and budget. 

  • Porcelain-fused-to-metal crown — It integrates the natural appearance of porcelain and the durability of metal. Your dentist will match the crown to your teeth's shade. They can restore back and front teeth.
  • Metal crowns — Technicians use various metals, like chromium, nickel, and gold to make crowns. A metal crown is durable, rarely breaks or chips, and can withstand chewing and biting forces. However, they are not appealing to the eye, hence the idea for back molars.
  • A ceramic or porcelain dental crown — They resemble the appearance of your tooth enamel. They are a perfect selection if you are allergic to metals. They are durable and can withstand heavy forces.
  • Resin dental crowns— They are less costly than other categories of dental crowns. However, they are fragile and easy to break. Dental technicians use it when making temporary tooth crowns.

Instances When You  Might Require a Dental Crown

You might require a dental crown when doing any of the following:

  • Strengthening your weak tooth
  • Protecting and supporting a fractured tooth
  • Restoring your fractured tooth
  • Covering your severely discolored or stained tooth
  • Holding a tooth bridge
  • Covering your dental implant
  • Covering your root canal-treated tooth

Veneers' Longevity

Porcelain veneers are strong and can last 10 to 15 years with proper dental care. Depending on the level of wear or tear, veneers might require cosmetic repairs or complete replacement. However, taking excellent care of your veneers could increase their longevity.

Some habits can shorten the lifespan of your veneers, including biting hard substances like candy and ice. Smoking or caffeine can also stain your veneers.

Here is how you can maximize the longevity of your veneers:

  • Follow dental hygiene practices —Brushing your teeth twice daily helps combat mouth bacteria, prevent stains, and protect your veneers from harmful elements. Flossing daily and routine dental visits for checkups and cleanings can also help preserve your veneer's appearance and performance.
  • Seek treatment for teeth grinding — If you clench or grind your teeth while sleeping, tell your dentist before undergoing treatment. Tooth grinding can cause wear and tear of the veneers, shortening their lifespan. Your dentist can recommend wearing a mouth guard at night.
  • Avoid using your teeth as tools — Using them to loosen a knot or cut something can compromise their integrity and invite germs. It can also chip your veneer.
  • If you play a contact sport, ensure you wear a mouthguard to help protect your veneers.

How Long Do Dental Crowns Last

A notable difference between a crown and a veneer is coverage. The crown covers your whole tooth, while a veneer just covers the tooth's front. Another difference in thickness is that crowns are thicker than veneers.

Based on the material used to make the treatment options and your oral habits, the longevity of veneers compared to crowns is identical, but veneers might not be as durable as crowns due to their thinness.

Veneers are excellent for your tooth cosmetic goals. However, if you have excessive tooth wear, cracks, or decay, a dental crown may be a better option. Your dental professional can assess which restoration treatment procedure is ideal for your oral health.

How to Know If Your Crown Requires Replacement

If you want to know whether your dental crown needs replacement, your dentist will first perform examinations and x-rays. If decay is identified or the crown is not positioned properly, the crown should be replaced.

Here are signs that indicate that your dental crown's lifespan is close to the end:

  • Pain in the tooth with a crown — Tooth decay means that your crown should be removed, together with the underlying decay. The dentist will then create your new crown and place it in position.
  • An unstable crown due to chewing sticky things, including gum or caramel
  • The crowned tooth is aesthetically unappealing — If you prefer a whiter crown, especially if you have whitened the nearby teeth.

Things that Affect a Crown’s Lifespan

The lifetime of your crown varies based on the following:

  • Material used
  • Flossing once daily
  • Brushing at least twice daily
  • Undergoing dental cleaning twice a year

Dental Crown Treatment Details

Typically, there are two dental appointments for crown placement.

Here are the steps to expect:

Tooth Preparation

To prepare the tooth for crown placement, the dentist will remove some enamel. It creates space for the new tooth crown and ensures it remains bonded. Additionally, the dentist can use filling materials to build up specific parts of the tooth. The main objective of this step is to create a robust foundation for the crown.

Taking Your Dental Impressions

The dentist can take digital impressions using a scanner or physical impressions using putty-like materials. Then they will send them to a laboratory, where a technician will use them to develop customized dental crowns.

Placing Your Temporary Crowns

It takes about three weeks for the technician to make the new crown. As you wait for the final crown fabrication, the dentist will place a temporary crown. The temporary crown could be made of acrylic or resin.

Customizing your natural tooth appearance involves shaping the crown to replicate your tooth's anatomy, including grooves, contours, and cusps. The technician can add characteristics, including translucency variations and surface texture, to make your crown resemble your natural teeth.

Final Dental Crown Placement

The final placement takes approximately sixty minutes. The dentist will first remove the temporary crown by breaking the cement seal and lifting it off. They will then thoroughly clean your tooth and remove residual temporary cement.

To check how the dentist will place the tooth crown on the tooth, the dentist will:

  • Fit along the margins where the tooth crown meets your tooth
  • Check contact points with your adjacent teeth
  • Check your overall appearance and shade match
  • Check bite alignment with your opposing teeth

The dentist might ask you to bite down and move your jaw to the side. Your dental crown should feel comfortable. If you require adjustments, the dentist will carefully adjust the shape of your crown.

The cementation process starts after you are satisfied with your fit. It involves applying the bonding agent, placing the crown onto the tooth, removing excess cement around the crown's margin, checking your bite, and making adjustments.

Dental Veneers Treatment Procedure

Here is what to expect during the treatment procedure:

Your Dentist Will Create an Individualized Treatment Plan

During your first dental appointment, your dentist will listen to your dental goals, answer your questions, and review your oral health history to ensure you do not have an oral health condition, including cavities. 

Your dentist can help you choose the color, size, and shape of veneers that suit your preferences.

Next, your dentist will scan your teeth with state-of-the-art CAD/CAM technology to visualize the outcome of your new smile.

Second Appointment

Your dentist will prepare your teeth for treatment by removing enamel to make it seamless to attach dental cement. They will also take impressions of your temporary veneers to fit them before creating permanent veneers, and then send the impressions to the technician at a dental lab.

Once the technician is done, they will deliver the temporary veneers for you to fit. 

Third Appointment

After one or two weeks, the technician will deliver your permanent veneers while your dentist will bond them to your teeth.

Your dentist can schedule follow-up dental appointments to ensure the veneers are comfortable, functional, and meet your needs. 

Cost and Insurance Coverage Variations

Without health insurance, the average cost of a dental crown ranges from $800 to $2500. Typically, the cost varies depending on the crown material. You might also require additional procedures before crown placement, which can increase the overall cost. These services include the following:

  • Dental examination
  • Diagnostic casts
  • Diagnostic imaging tests, including X-rays
  • Root canal
  • Core buildup
  • Protective restoration, including temporary filings
  • Post and core

Since crowns are a restorative dental treatment option, insurance companies usually pay a percentage of the cost.

Original Medicare will cover your treatment only if it happens in a hospital. Most Medicare Advantage Plans offer more detailed dental coverage. More cost-sharing and premiums are required. The exact percentages and prices depend on whether your treatment was performed in- or out-of-network.

Medicaid provides dental coverage for minors, including medically necessary crowns. However, for adults, the coverage depends on your pace of residence.

The cost of veneers depends on the material used to make them. You can expect the estimated cost to reflect market prices in your geographic location. Before undergoing treatment, you will likely need a dental cleaning and examination, which may incur additional costs. Price variation also reflects the experience and skills of your dentist and the technician who created your dental veneers in the laboratory.

Dental health insurance does not cover cosmetic procedures, including veneers, unless they are considered medically necessary. One method to save money on veneers is with a dental savings plan (dental discount plan). Instead of paying an annual or monthly membership fee, a discount dental plan provides services from an in-network provider at a discount without waiting periods.

It is essential to inquire with your dentist's finance manager about the cost of your treatment before agreeing to and undergoing it. Health insurance plans differ in the degree of reimbursement provided for specific procedures and in annual dental spending caps. Some plans have a waiting period before specific treatments are offered. Moreover, plans have exclusions; the cost for specific dental procedures will not be reimbursed. The dental finance manager can contact your insurer to determine your out-of-pocket costs for the planned procedure.

Find a Competent Dental Practice Near Me

Veneers are a cosmetic treatment option, while crowns are ideal for restorative purposes. The choice between them depends on your treatment goals and the health condition of your tooth. Understanding their differences can help you make a wise decision about your treatment plan.

The knowledgeable team at La Puente Advanced Dentistry can outline the pros and cons of each option and review your oral health to determine the best treatment for you based on your health, preferences, and budget. Please call us at 626-626-7075 to schedule your free initial consultation.