Sometimes, having the perfect smile requires dental procedures to restore your teeth’s appearance, bite, and overall health. Dental crowns and veneers are two standard restorative procedures that can transform a smile using different methods. It can be challenging to decide which option is right for you unless you can effectively compare crown vs. veneer options.
As an experienced restorative and cosmetic dentist in Palm Beach Garden, FL, Mark L. Civin D.D.S., P.A., understands the importance of getting the proper dental procedure for your specific issues. Here, we list the factors to consider before determining if crowns or dental veneers are best for your smile transformation goals.
Crowns vs. Veneers
The crown vs. veneer debate is sometimes confusing because not everyone understands each procedure or why it is necessary. A veneer is a thin layer of porcelain covering your front tooth surface. Most of your original tooth structure remains intact, but the dentist will shave about half a millimeter of enamel from the front of your tooth to accommodate the veneer.
Meanwhile, a crown is a dental appliance that covers the entire tooth like a cap. It involves a more invasive dental procedure because the dentist will fill or file down more of your tooth to ensure the crown has a natural-looking fit.
Uses
Both veneers and crowns will improve the appearance and function of your teeth but in different ways. For instance, veneers can cover several teeth to address extreme discoloration from medication or root canal treatment that teeth whitening methods cannot fix. Veneers can also restore the shape of uneven, worn, chipped, or broken teeth.
Crowns can address the same issues as dental veneers. However, they also protect weak teeth or a tooth with a large filling. The cap can cover anchor teeth to hold a dental bridge in place, act as the replacement tooth on a dental implant, or protect a tooth with severe wear.
Procedures
Getting a crown or veneer generally involves two visits to prep your teeth and place the custom dental cap or covering. Preparation includes shaving the treated tooth’s enamel, but the extent of the work depends on which procedure you choose. For instance, crowns require more shaving than veneers.
After preparing your tooth, the dentist will take an impression of your teeth using a mold or digital scan. The image or mold will go to a team on-site or laboratory to create your custom veneer or crown. During the second visit, the dentist will fit your crown or veneer onto your tooth and bond it into place.
Crowns are often part of a more extended dental treatment for tooth decay, missing teeth, and root canals. You may need additional appointments to address those issues before getting the crown. For instance, you will need several dentist visits to get a dental implant and allow time for the implant to heal and fuse to your jawbone before getting a crown.
Cost
Both procedures can be expensive. The cost of porcelain dental veneers per tooth can range from $925 to $2,500.
Composite veneers are less expensive at $250 to $1,500 per tooth, but they don’t last as long as the porcelain variety. Crowns generally involve more work and material, so they can cost $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth.
Many dental insurance plans don’t cover cosmetic dental procedures, so veneers may not have coverage. However, insurance agencies sometimes consider crowns a restorative dental procedure instead of a cosmetic one. Those insurance companies may cover a portion of the procedure’s cost.
Before seeking either service, inquire about coverage with your insurance company.
Your Cosmetic Dentist in Palm Beach Gardens
Now that you have more details on the crown vs. veneer debate, you can contact cosmetic dentist Mark Civin, D.D.S., P.A. in Palm Beach Gardens, FL. Our client-oriented dental practice offers comprehensive dental services in a relaxing and comfortable environment. Learn more about our cosmetic dentistry services, and call 561-624-2224 to schedule an appointment.
