Dental experts utilize various dental restorations to enhance the appearance and function of the teeth. The teeth make a smile beautiful, in addition to helping with chewing and pronouncing words correctly. Therefore, the appearance and function of your teeth are essential. Your dental expert can advise you to choose a dental restoration procedure that suits your needs and budget if cavities, stains, or fractures damage your teeth. The common dental restorations that dentists recommend include dental crowns and veneers. Dental crowns and veneers differ, but both help achieve a beautiful smile and enhance self-esteem. Understanding what each procedure entails, including its merits and demerits, can help you make informed decisions. An experienced dental expert can help you choose a dental restoration that can address your dental issue.

Dental Crowns And Veneers

You will have a beautiful smile if your teeth are in good condition. Unfortunately, many people experience various dental problems throughout their lives, some of which impact their smile and self-esteem. It is hard to claim you have a beautiful smile if you are battling dental issues. The good news is that you can improve your smile using one of the many options available in the dental industry today. Dental crowns and veneers are the most popular options for dental restoration. These two are similar in one way but differ in other ways. Understanding what each option offers can help you make the right decision for a perfect smile.

Dental crowns and veneers differ significantly and also address different dental issues. They both enhance the appearance of your teeth and functionality, but you must choose a dental restoration depending on your dental problem. Dental crowns and veneers cover damaged teeth to enhance appearance and make them more functional. Dental crowns and veneers can address the following dental issues:

  • Decayed teeth
  • Weakened teeth
  • Crooked teeth
  • Discolored teeth
  • Cracked teeth, and
  • Broken or chipped teeth

Dental crowns cover the whole tooth, while veneers cover the front part of the tooth.

Understanding Dental Crowns

Dental crowns are designed in a dental lab to cover the whole damaged tooth. They are placed on damaged teeth to enhance functionality, feeling, and appearance. Dental crowns can be used on all teeth, front and back. Placing a dental crown is an invasive procedure because a dental expert must prepare the damaged tooth by removing part of the enamel.

Your dental expert can recommend a dental crown if you have a tooth damaged by decay. The dentist will start by preparing the decayed tooth by removing and shaping it to fit the crown well. Sometimes, your dental expert can rebuild a damaged tooth so that a dental crown can be fitted. This procedure often takes some time. Your dentist will likely put you under local anesthesia to stay calm and prevent pain during the preparation process.

The dental expert must prepare the damaged tooth before placing a dental crown. Your dentist will then take impressions of the prepared tooth to create an appropriate crown in the lab. It will take several days to make a dental crown. In this case, the dentist will use a temporary crown to protect the tooth while you wait for the actual crown. Your dental expert will call you back to the office for the installation of the crown once it is ready.

The dentist will first place the crown on the prepared tooth to assess its fit. Your dentist will make essential adjustments before permanently cementing the crown to your tooth. The dentist will use a special cement to bond the crown and harden it with UV light. This crown will stay intact for many years.

You should take care of the crown to avoid damage. Your bite will be affected if the crown shifts out of position on the tooth. If you notice this issue, reach out to your dental expert immediately for appropriate action to be taken.

Understanding Veneers

Veneers are often one millimeter thick and made from thin porcelain. Your dentist will bond them to the front of damaged natural teeth to enhance their functionality and appearance. You qualify for a veneer if you have damaged front teeth, which affect your teeth’s functionality and smile. The procedure of placing a veneer is often noninvasive, making it a popular treatment option. However, the dental expert will slightly trim the enamel of the damaged tooth before putting on the veneer. This procedure will leave most of your natural teeth untouched.

This procedure typically involves removing parts of the damaged tooth's enamel. The dentist roughens the tooth so that the veneer anchors securely to your tooth. The procedure is often uncomfortable and requires local anesthesia to keep you calm and relaxed during the installation process. Anesthesia will also prevent pain during the procedure.

The dental expert will only book you for a veneer if you are a suitable candidate. This involves patients who have enough enamel on the damaged tooth to attach the veneer. If your tooth is severely damaged, your dentist will recommend an alternative treatment option.

Your dental expert will first secure impressions of your damaged tooth before placing it on the veneer. The impressions will help the dentist to develop a veneer in a dental lab. Currently, dental experts use digital scanning to obtain accurate impressions and create precise dental restorations. Your dentist can also use a mold to secure the appropriate size and shape of the prepared tooth.

It could take several days in the dental lab to make a veneer. In this case, the dentist will cover the tooth to prevent further damage. Your dental expert will use a UV light to cure the restoration once it is in position and is satisfied with its appearance. Once the veneer is installed, it will last many years. However, the dentist may advise you to wear a mouthguard when sleeping if you habitually clench or grind your teeth. This will prevent the risks of damaging it.

The Choice Between Crowns And Veneers

Sometimes, it can be challenging to choose between dental crowns and veneers for a dental issue you are experiencing. You should consult an experienced dentist for a thorough evaluation of your options and needs. The application of dental crowns and veneers differs, even though they serve similar purposes. Dental experts recommend dental crowns for the following issues:

  • After root canal therapy
  • Patients with larger fillings, and
  • Patients with severely damaged teeth

Your dental expert will recommend veneers if your tooth is slightly damaged or requires a restoration, mainly for cosmetic purposes. He/she can also use veneers if you have minor shape issues in natural teeth.

You should also consider the cost when choosing between dental crowns and veneers. An affordable option is ideal if you are working on a budget. Unlike crowns, dental veneers are often costly. However, the actual cost depends on various factors, including the size of the teeth, the number of teeth affected, and their location in the mouth. Cosmetic dental procedures are usually not covered by most insurance companies. However, some plans have yearly limits on the amount their coverage can pay for dental procedures. Determine your payment options with your dental expert and insurer before choosing dental crowns or veneers.

The amount you will incur will depend on the type of dental restoration you receive. Your dentist will guide you through the different types of veneers if you decide to opt for dental veneers. He/she will also explain their differences and advantages. You can choose porcelain or composite veneers depending on your preference and budget. Porcelain veneers are often expensive, but solid and durable.

There are also options depending on your preferred material if you choose dental crowns. You can choose porcelain, metal, or ceramic crowns. Various dental crowns are also charged differently. You will be charged according to your choice, the extent of affected teeth, their location in your mouth, and the amount of preparation your dentist will make for the tooth.

Your insurance company will pay the whole amount or part of it if you require dental treatment to prevent issues like cavities and gum disease. You can consult your dentist regarding a payment plan that works for both of you if you need assistance.

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Crowns And Veneers

The following are the merits and demerits of dental crowns and veneers:

Merits And Demerits Of Dental Crowns

The benefits of dental crowns include:

  • A dental crown is meant to cover the whole tooth. It will restore the tooth’s shape, structure, and functionality if your tooth is severely damaged. Your tooth will also be protected from further damage. You will not experience decay or infection on the treated tooth.
  • Dental crowns feel and look like your natural teeth. Some crowns have different textures and colors, but they can be customized to resemble natural teeth. This will help you socialize and smile without worrying that some teeth are different. Porcelain crowns look like natural teeth, and you will feel the same after the procedure.
  • Dental crowns are permanent — They cannot be extracted after flossing and brushing. However, you can decide regarding dental crowns along the way.
  • If you need dental crown treatment for preventive purposes, your insurance company may cover part of the cost. You should consult your insurer for them to advise you on payments after you have undergone the procedure.

The potential disadvantages of dental crowns include:

  • More preparation is needed for your natural tooth before putting on a dental crown. In this case, your dental expert will remove much of your natural tooth. Unfortunately, this will expose the inner structure of your tooth to external elements that can make it more painful and sensitive to heat and cold. Your dentist can put an artificial crown before placing a permanent one. However, the sensitivity and pain will clear after a few days. If not, consult your dental expert immediately.
  • Dental crowns are prone to damage even if they are solid and long-lasting. You should use them carefully to prevent damage and avoid the extra cost of replacement. Porcelain crowns can break easily after a few years of use because they are more fragile.
  • Some crowns develop a thick line between them and your natural teeth. This can negatively influence your smile and confidence.

Merits And Demerits Of Veneers

The benefits of veneers include:

  • Compared to crowns, veneers are more beautiful. They are ideal if you are pursuing a more aesthetically pleasing appearance after restoring your damaged tooth. Usually, veneers do not show your gum margin even after prolonged wear. You can enjoy a beautiful smile for longer with proper care.
  • Placing veneers is easier while preparing your tooth. Preparing teeth for placing veneers involves trimming the tooth enamel. However, your dental expert is not supposed to remove much of the enamel. Much of your natural tooth remains untouched.
  • Veneers cover only the front part of the tooth, but not the whole tooth. They will stay longer, even with active use of that tooth and they require less maintenance. With proper care and good oral hygiene, you will enjoy a long service from your veneers.

The disadvantages of veneers include:

  • Veneers expose a significant portion of your damaged tooth to bacteria and cavity-causing agents. This often happens because veneers cover only part of the tooth. The uncovered part of the tooth can develop a cavity or cause an infection if it is still damaged.
  • Unlike dental crowns, veneers might require to be replaced frequently. For example, composite veneers are less expensive, but they typically last only five or seven years. After this period, you will incur another cost to be replaced.
  • Dental veneers are also irreversible — Be careful when choosing a dental restoration because you will keep it for life once your dental expert installs the veneer. Unlike dental crowns, you cannot change your mind along the way.
  • Insurance companies do not cover dental veneers. You should be ready to meet the cost if veneers are your choice.

Find a Professional Dentist Near Me

Dental crowns and veneers are popular dental restorations that can restore your teeth’ appearance and functionality. Whether to opt for veneers or crowns will depend on the extent of tooth damage, the desired results, and your budget. Dental crowns cover the whole tooth and are ideal for teeth with significant damage. On the other hand, veneers cover only the front surface of the tooth and are suitable for correcting minor dental imperfections. If you are considering dental veneers or crowns in Santa Clarita, CA, contact our experienced dentists at the Valencia Advanced Dentistry At Copperhill Smiles. Call us today at 661-775-7717 to speak to one of our dentists.