When patients come to see us about a cracked tooth, we recommend that they take care of it as quickly as possible. Luckily there are a few options to choose from. Dental veneers and dental crowns are the most popular options. But the question remains…which one is the right one for you?
The answer to this question isn’t simple and it depends on several factors. For example, in what condition are your natural teeth, what is your dental history and of course, what is your budget.
Veneers and crown might look similar, but they are very different in many ways, like their application, price, durability and so on. It is important to make the right decision in order to avoid more future dental work.
Are dental veneers or dental crowns right for me?
When you schedule a consultation and Premier Family Dental, our dental experts can guide you through the entire process and present you all the necessary information and answer all questions so you could make an informed decision.
The basics about veneers and crowns
Before we could recommend either dental crowns or dental veneers, we need to first cover the basics on what each option entails.
Dental veneers
Dental veneers are thin pieces of porcelain which are designed and molded so that they fit your teeth. They are attached to the front of your teeth in order to improve appearance. Even though they are mostly made from porcelain, they can also be made from resin or other composite materials.
Dental crowns
Unlike dental veneers, which cover the front of your teeth, dental crowns cover most of your tooth. They not only improve the physical appearance of your smile but also improve the tooth structure. Dental crowns are mostly used in other dental procedures such as root canals.
When it comes to crowns and veneers, there no one size fits all. They are molded and crafter for each specific patient in order to blend in seamlessly. After all, not every dental patient has the same teeth.
Durability of veneers and crowns
This is probably one of the most important questions for someone who is thinking about getting dental veneers or crowns. Everyone wants a solution that will lost the longest so you don’t have to go visit your dentist more than you need to.
Dental veneers usually last between 7-15 years before they need to be replaced. They are also much easier to replace since they don’t cover the entire tooth. They are more fragile since they are made from more delicate materials. We don’t recommend veneers to anyone with a habit of grinding their teeth, chewing on ice or even biting their nails.
Dental crowns are more durable. They can last between 10-15 years since they are made from more durable materials. They are somewhat a permanent solution so replacing them (when the time comes) is more difficult than for example dental veneers.
Cost of dental veneers and dental crowns
Another important factor when choosing between dental veneers and dental crowns is of course the price.
The price of both solutions is roughly the same, with crowns ranging between $1,000 to $3,500 and veneers from $1,000 to $2,000.
Dental insurance might be able to cover the cost. Veneers are usually not covered since they are considered to be a cosmetic procedure, while dental crowns are a non-cosmetic dental expense so they might likely be covered by your dental insurance.
Veneers may look more appealing since they are more affordable, but keep in mind that since they are made from different material and are not so durable, they are more likely to chip, crack and wear down. Dental crowns are a more expensive option, but they are more durable and would probably turn out to be a better investment.
How to decide?
Deciding between dental veneers and dental crowns is not simple like comparing costs and durability. We highly recommend that you first schedule an appointment and based on the evaluation of your teeth, we can recommend the best approach for you. We will take into consideration all the factors, and help you decide.
