As you are exploring options for dental restorations, your dentist will talk to you about different types of treatments that can be used to improve your smile and strengthen your teeth at the same time. Two of the most popular treatments include veneers vs. crowns.
As you learn more about these treatments, you’ll see that there are advantages and disadvantages to both. So, the best solution is to talk to your dentist about your unique goals. Then, you can work together to design a custom treatment plan to match your needs.
Which Dental Restoration is the Strongest?
One important factor to consider when choosing dental restorations is the way the treatment will strengthen your teeth in the long run. The good news is that modern dental treatments are designed with strong and durable materials, helping to deliver the long-lasting results that you desire.
If you are comparing the strength of crowns vs. veneers, then crowns are the best option. Even though veneers can be strong, they are also a bit brittle. So, there is a risk of veneers cracking or dislodging if you have repeated or sharp impacts on the veneer.
On the other hand, a crown is designed in a way to cover the entire tooth. Usually, crowns are made with porcelain, metal, or both. Crowns are usually much thicker than veneers – over 2x the thickness. As a result, crowns have a higher resistance against cracking and damage.
What are the Disadvantages of Dental Crowns vs. Veneers?
As you are comparing your options for porcelain veneers vs. crowns, it’s smart to look at both the advantages and disadvantages of both.
Even though crowns are one of the preferred treatments for tooth restoration, there are a few drawbacks to consider:
- Loose or Broken Crown: Crowns are designed to be strong and last for many years, but there is a possibility that the crown can become loose or broken. If the crown detaches, then you will need to go back into the dental office to repair the dental restoration. This potential drawback is also the same for dental veneers. In fact, veneers have a higher risk of being broken or damaged compared to dental crowns.
- Improper Fitting: Another potential drawback is how your comfort is impacted if the crown is fit improperly. Ultimately, the goal is to ensure that the crown is natural and comfortable in the way it lines with your bite. But if there is an issue with the placement or alignment, then it could change the way you chew and even cause jaw problems.
- More Tooth Removal: Finally, consider the fact that crowns require more of the tooth to be removed compared to veneers. Since the crown is encapsulating the entire tooth, it means that part of the enamel needs to be removed all around the tooth. On the other hand, veneers only require a smaller amount of enamel removal – and this removal only happens on the outside surfaces of the teeth that are being treated.
What are the Advantages of Veneers Over Crowns?
If you are looking for a less invasive tooth restoration when comparing porcelain veneers vs. crowns, then veneers are typically the treatment of choice. Here are some of the advantages of choosing veneers:
- Fitting: There is a difference in the way that veneers vs crowns are fit to your tooth. When you choose veneers, it means that the porcelain covers are bonded to only the front portion of your tooth. On the other hand, crowns cover the entire tooth. So, it’s easier to fit veneers while also minimizing the amount of the natural tooth that needs to be removed.
- Aesthetics: Many people find veneers to be more aesthetically pleasing because of the way they can be designed to match your unique smile. Veneers show less gum margin compared to crowns. Also, veneers are thinner.
- Permanence: While both veneers vs. crowns are considered long-term treatments, crowns tend to have a longer lifespan because they are thicker and bigger. On the other hand, veneers may need to be replaced after 10 years or so. When the replacement happens, you can adjust the appearance of your smile if desired.
Do Teeth Decay Under Crowns?
Both crowns and veneers can be placed over areas where tooth decay is left untreated. If this dental restoration is done without clearing away all of the decayed areas, then it means that the tooth can continue to decay underneath the crown or veneer. This ongoing decay could potentially put your tooth at risk, especially if the decay moves into the inner areas of the tooth.
A skilled dentist will prevent this issue by ensuring that the tooth is properly cleaned and repaired before placing the restoration.
So, it doesn’t matter if you choose dental crowns vs veneers. There is a risk of decay either way. But you can avoid this risk by choosing a reputable and skilled dentist to help with your treatment.
Also, keep in mind that it’s possible for teeth to decay after a crown or veneer is placed. Even though the materials in the dental restoration won’t decay, it’s possible for the exposed portions of the teeth to decay. This risk is higher with veneers since the veneer only covers the visible surface of the tooth. So, the remaining surfaces that are exposed to the food you are eating and bacteria in your mouth could potentially decay after the veneers are in place.
What is the Healthiest Tooth Replacement?
When you are missing a tooth, then veneers aren’t an option. Porcelain veneers can only be attached when the natural tooth is in place. So, if you need to fill in a gap because of a missing tooth, then you will likely have one or more crowns along with other dental restoration treatments.
For example, one of the healthiest treatments that offers life-long results is to have a placement of a dental implant where the missing tooth used to be. Then, when the implant is strong and assimilated into the jaw bone, a crown can be placed on top to restore your smile. This treatment is a strong and effective solution for filling in the gaps for one or two missing teeth.
On the other hand, if there are multiple teeth that need to be replaced, then your dentist might recommend another type of treatment, such as a fixed bridge, partial dentures, full dentures, or All-on-Four implant-supported dentures.
The key to success with tooth replacement is to make sure that you are not only considering the aesthetics of the tooth, but also the overall function of the new tooth as well.
Personalized Consultation for Tooth Restoration
Whether you want to improve the appearance of your smile or it’s necessary to strengthen your teeth due to damage, it’s time to schedule a consultation with an experienced dental team who can help. Every patient is unique, which is why there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution for tooth restorations.
At myDental, we can help you learn more about the differences between dental veneers vs. crowns, as well as the other treatment options that are available. You are invited to book an appointment at one of our nearby locations to talk to a dentist about your upcoming treatment plans. Call any time to learn more about dental crowns vs veneers so that you can choose the ideal treatments for your smile.