Are you eager to improve certain aspects of your smile? There is a wide range of dental solutions out there with dental crowns and veneers being some of the most popular. Both of these restorations have numerous advantages, but which one can better meet your needs and wants? Continue reading to learn about the pros and cons of veneers and dental crowns so you can make an informed decision.
Veneers
Getting veneers involves your dentist placing a thin shell of porcelain over the front-facing surfaces of your teeth to improve their appearance and potentially protect them from damage. Here are some of the pros and cons of this popular cosmetic procedure.
Pros
- Veneers are aesthetically pleasing
- Only a minimal amount of enamel needs to be removed
- Ideal for fixing teeth that are chipped, stained, gapped, uneven, and undersized.
Cons
- Veneers cannot be reversed
- Rarely covered by dental insurance
- Not ideal for severe dental damage
Dental Crowns
A dental crown is a cap that is placed over the chewing surface of a structurally compromised tooth to protect it from additional damage. They can restore the function and appearance of teeth. Here are some of the pros and cons.
Pros
- Dental crowns look very similar to natural teeth
- Crowns are ideal for more extensive damage
- Crowns are more durable than veneers
Cons
- Dental crowns require more enamel removal than veneers
- More extensive recovery period
- The procedure is slightly more invasive
Which Option Is Best?
Veneers are crowns are both well able to improve the appearance and function of compromised teeth. If you are looking for more of a cosmetic solution and your teeth are not significantly damaged, veneers would likely be able to best meet your needs. However, if you have more extensive damage to your teeth, a dental crown may be necessary to protect it from further damage while improving its appearance.
The best way to find out for sure which restoration is better for you is to attend a consultation with your dentist. This way, they can thoroughly examine your smile and discuss your options with you. A personalized plan can be put together to help you achieve your smile goals.
By weighing the pros and cons of veneers and crowns as well as discussing it with your dentist, you will be on your way to a new and improved smile in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Renu Michelsen is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over two decades! She earned her dental doctorate from the University of the Pacific Art A. Dugoni School of Dentistry and continues to complete advanced training each year through prestigious organizations, including SPEAR Educations. Currently, she is a proud member of the American Dental Association, California Dental Association, and Orange Country Dental Society. For more information on dental restorations or to schedule an appointment at her office in Orange, visit her website or call (714) 492-1169.
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