Full Coverage Crowns vs Veneers

Full coverage crowns and veneers will both change the appearance of your teeth, and each option has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Crowns and veneers and crowns are both dental restoration options that can improve both the look and function of your teeth. The single primary difference is that a veneer covers just the front of your tooth, and a crown will cover the entire tooth.

Dental restoration procedures can be costly, so it is best to know which solution will be best for you. Although the treatments are different, both restorations have good success rates.

What is the Difference Between a Veneer and a Crown

A veneer is an extremely thin layer of porcelain or another material, about 1 millimeter in thickness, which is bonded to the front surface of your existing tooth.

A crown is about 2 millimeters thick and covers the entire tooth. It may be all porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal alloy, or an all-metal alloy.

Whether a crown or a veneer is best for you will completely depend on the condition of your tooth and what it is you are trying to fix.

Common conditions for a dental restoration are:

* Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth.

* Decayed or weakened teeth.

What is a Crown?

A full coverage crown covers the entire visible part of the tooth. With a crown, more of the tooth surface needs to be ground down to prepare for the crown placement.

If you have a decayed tooth, your dentist will remove the decay before making the crown. Your tooth may need to be built up to support the crown. Your tooth might also need to be built up if it has been damaged. You might need a local anesthetic for this procedure.

A veneer covers just the front surface of your tooth. They are not as invasive as crowns, because the preparation work leaves more of your original tooth untouched.

About half a millimeter of the natural enamel on the front of the tooth is removed for the bonding of the veneer. Some newer kinds of veneers do not need as much tooth removed. You might need a local anesthetic for this process.

How do You Know Which One is Right for You?

Both crowns and veneers will improve your smile and the function of your teeth. Both can be costly, especially when more than one tooth is being treated.

Veneers are primarily used when you want cosmetic improvement, such as covering crooked or chipped teeth, especially your front teeth.

Full coverage crowns are used when a tooth has a lot of decay, is broken, or needs a root canal. Crowns might also be more appropriate when there is a dental bridge being suggested. If a tooth has a large filling, a root canal, or is cracked or very worn, a full coverage crown will be the best option.

If your tooth is intact and the restoration is primarily for cosmetic purposes, a veneer might be the best option. Veneers are also used for minor shape corrections.

Schedule regular dental checkups and practice good dental hygiene, which are vital for maintaining your crown or veneer and the rest of your teeth.

Related: What is a Full Coverage Crown