Dental crowns and veneers stand out as two popular options if you are trying to enhance your smile and restore the beauty of your teeth. While both options share a common goal to restore and enhance dental aesthetics, they both have distinct characteristics catering to unique dental needs. In this blog, we will discuss some of the common differences between dental crowns and veneers.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns, also known as caps, are crafted to cover and surround the visible surface of a tooth. Unlike a filling that addresses a specific area of decay, crowns offer total coverage, acting as a shield that covers the entire tooth. This unique design serves multiple purposes like reinforcing a weakened tooth and enhancing its appearance.

What Are Dental Veneers?

Dental veneers are ultra-thin, custom-made shells designed to cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers are crafted to enhance the appearance of teeth by addressing various imperfections such as discoloration, minor misalignments, irregular shapes, and gaps between teeth.

What Are The Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers

Veneers and dental crowns are transformative options, each with its own unique set of characteristics. Understanding the differences between these two dental procedures is essential for individuals seeking to enhance their smiles.

Structural Coverage

The distinction between dental crowns and veneers lies not only in their aesthetic goals but also in the extent of structural coverage they provide. The key differences include:

Veneers

Dental veneers are designed to provide minimal but impactful structural coverage. These thin shells are crafted to cover only the front surface of the teeth, addressing cosmetic concerns while preserving the natural tooth structure.

  • Minimal enamel removal — The preparation process for veneers involves minimal removal of enamel, which is limited to the front surface of the tooth. This approach allows for a transformative enhancement without compromising the overall structure of the tooth.
  • Cosmetic enhancement focus — Veneers excel in cosmetic enhancement, concealing imperfections such as discoloration, minor misalignments, and irregularities in tooth shape. While they contribute to a great smile, their structural impact is subtle compared to the comprehensive coverage provided by dental crowns.

Dental Crowns

Dental crowns, in contrast, offer more extensive structural coverage, providing a shield that encases the entire visible surface of the tooth. Their role extends beyond cosmetic enhancement to encompass vital functions such as reinforcement, protection, and restoration of compromised teeth.

  • Comprehensive tooth encasement — The custom-fitted caps envelop the entire visible portion of the tooth, offering structural support and protection. Crowns are recommended for teeth with significant damage, extensive decay, or those that have undergone root canal treatment.
  • Structural reinforcement — Dental crowns go beyond cosmetic enhancement; their primary function is to reinforce the structure of a compromised tooth. By providing a sturdy outer layer, crowns protect the underlying tooth from further deterioration, restoring both form and function.

Application Difference

The application differences between dental crowns and veneers are significant, reflecting the distinct purposes these procedures serve.

Veneers

The journey of acquiring veneers follows the following procedure:

Comprehensive Consultation

The journey to veneers begins with a thorough consultation where the dentist asks the patient several questions to understand their aesthetic goals. This phase also involves a detailed examination of the patient's oral health and a discussion about the desired changes in the appearance of their smile.

Minimal Tooth Preparation

The application of veneers is known for its minimally invasive nature. A small amount of enamel is delicately removed from the front surface of the teeth that will receive veneers. This minimal preparation ensures a great fit for the custom-made veneers without compromising the overall tooth structure.

Impression Taking

A precise impression of the prepared teeth is then taken, serving as the blueprint for crafting custom veneers. This impression captures the dimensions and color nuances of the patient's teeth.

Temporary Veneers

While the final veneers are being crafted in the dental laboratory, temporary veneers may be placed to protect the prepared teeth and maintain aesthetic continuity.

Final Bonding

The final step involves bonding the custom-made veneers to the prepared teeth. The dentist ensures a secure fit, making any necessary adjustments to achieve optimal alignment and bite. Once bonded, veneers become a permanent and integral part of the tooth.

Dental Crowns

Below is a detailed guide on the application of dental crowns.

Diagnostic Evaluation

The application of dental crowns begins with a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. The dentist assesses the overall oral health, the extent of tooth damage, and the necessity for structural reinforcement.

Tooth Shaping

Unlike veneers, dental crowns often require more extensive tooth preparation. The dentist may need to shape the tooth to accommodate the crown, removing more enamel. This shaping process is essential for creating space and ensuring a secure fit for the crown.

Impression Taking

An impression of the reshaped tooth is then taken, serving as the foundation for crafting the custom-fitted crown. This impression captures every contour necessary for the fabrication of a crown that aligns with the patient's dentition.

Temporary Crowns

While the permanent crown is being crafted in the dental laboratory, a temporary crown is often placed to protect the reshaped tooth. This temporary fixture maintains the space and alignment within the dental arch until the final crown is ready.

Final Bonding

The culmination of the crown application involves careful bonding of the custom-fitted crown to the reshaped tooth. The dentist ensures that the crown fits securely and aligns seamlessly with the patient's bite. Once bonded, the crown becomes a permanent restoration, providing structural reinforcement and aesthetic enhancement.

Material Choices

Dental crowns and veneers are both transformative procedures that use distinct materials to achieve their unique goals.

Veneers Materials

Veneers, with their focus on aesthetics, employ materials like:

  • Porcelain veneers — Porcelain veneers stand as the pinnacle of aesthetic refinement. Crafted from fine porcelain, these ultra-thin shells possess a translucency that mirrors natural teeth. The material's ability to reflect and refract light lends a lifelike quality, making porcelain veneers the preferred choice for individuals seeking a seamlessly integrated, radiant smile.
  • Composite resin veneers — Composite resin veneers offer a practical alternative for those seeking cosmetic enhancement. Crafted directly onto the teeth, composite resin allows for precise color matching, making it a versatile choice. While not as durable as porcelain, composite veneers are a more economical option for achieving aesthetic improvements.

Crown Materials

On the other hand, crowns are designed for both aesthetics and structural reinforcement which is why they use a range of materials like:

Porcelain Crowns

Porcelain crowns strike a delicate balance between aesthetics and strength. Ideal for front teeth, these crowns mimic the natural appearance of teeth, blending seamlessly with the smile. Their lifelike qualities make them a popular choice for individuals seeking both structural reinforcement and aesthetic enhancement.

Metal Alloy Crowns

Metal crowns, often crafted from gold or stainless steel alloys, are renowned for their durability and strength. These crowns are particularly suited for molars and other teeth that endure significant biting forces. While not as aesthetically pleasing as porcelain, metal crowns excel in resilience.

Porcelain-Fused-to-Metal (PFM) Crowns

PFM crowns combine the aesthetics of porcelain with the strength of a metal substructure. This makes them suitable for various dental applications. The porcelain outer layer ensures a natural appearance, while the metal substructure provides great structural support.

Zirconia Crowns

Zirconia crowns represent a modern advancement, offering both strength and aesthetic appeal. They are known for their durability and are an excellent choice for those seeking a metal-free option without compromising on strength.

Distinguishing Factors

  • Appearance — Veneers focus primarily on aesthetic enhancement. Porcelain veneers, in particular, excel in replicating the natural look of teeth. In contrast, crowns must balance both aesthetic and structural considerations, with choices like porcelain striking a compromise between the two.
  • Strength and durability — The materials chosen for crowns prioritize strength to withstand biting forces. Metal alloys and zirconia, for example, provide great structural support. Veneers are designed for cosmetic enhancement, and prioritize aesthetics over the same level of durability.
  • Tooth preparation — Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, as their primary goal is cosmetic enhancement. Crowns often involve more extensive tooth shaping to accommodate the material's thickness and ensure a secure fit.

The Cost Difference

The cost difference between dental veneers and crowns is primarily influenced by their respective purposes and materials. Dental crowns, designed for structural reinforcement and protection, tend to be more expensive due to the materials used, extensive tooth preparation, and the need for comprehensive coverage.

On the other hand, dental veneers which are focused on aesthetic enhancement, offer a potentially more budget-friendly option. The cost of veneers is influenced by the materials chosen, with porcelain veneers being more expensive than composite resin veneers. The number of teeth treated and the complexity of the case also play a role in determining the overall cost for both procedures. While dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost for necessary functional reasons, coverage for cosmetic aspects of both crowns and veneers can be limited.

Benefits and Risks of Dental Crowns and Veneers

Both dental crowns and veneers offer unique advantages, enhancing smiles and restoring confidence. Having a clear understanding of the benefits and risks of each can help you make an informed decision.

Benefits of Dental Crowns

Crowns offer several benefits such as:

Structural reinforcement

Dental crowns serve as a powerful protector, offering structural reinforcement to weakened or damaged teeth. They provide a shield that not only enhances appearance but also restores functionality.

Durability

Crafted from materials such as porcelain, metal alloys, or zirconia, dental crowns boast durability and resilience. They withstand the forces of biting and chewing, ensuring long-term functionality.

Versatility in material choices

The diverse material options for crowns, including porcelain-fused-to-metal (PFM) and zirconia, allow for customization based on the location of the tooth, aesthetic preferences, and budget considerations.

Restoration of Tooth Function

Crowns are often recommended after procedures like root canals, providing a protective covering that restores the tooth's function while preventing further damage.

Risks of Dental Crowns

While dental crowns are generally considered safe and effective, it's important to be aware of potential risks and complications associated with the procedure.

  • Tooth sensitivity — Some individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity following the preparation and placement of dental crowns. This typically subsides as the tooth adjusts to the new restoration.
  • Potential for allergic reactions — In rare cases, individuals may have allergic reactions to the materials used in crowns, especially those containing metals. However, advancements in material science have minimized this risk.

Benefits of Dental Veneers

Venners offer several benefits such as:

Aesthetic Enhancement

Veneers are celebrated for their transformative impact on the appearance of teeth. They effectively conceal stains, discoloration, and minor misalignments, providing a radiant and symmetrical smile.

Conservative Tooth Preparation

Veneers require minimal tooth preparation, preserving a significant portion of the natural tooth structure. This conservative approach distinguishes them as an appealing option for cosmetic enhancements.

Versatility in Material Choices

Like crowns, veneers offer material options, with porcelain being the preferred choice for its natural appearance. Composite resin veneers provide a more economical alternative.

Risks of Dental Veneers

Dental veneers are a popular cosmetic dentistry option for improving the appearance of teeth, but like any dental procedure, they come with potential risks and considerations. Here are some of the risks associated with dental veneers:

  • Irreversible tooth preparation — While minimal, the tooth preparation for veneers is irreversible. It involves removing a thin layer of enamel, and individuals must be committed to the decision as it is permanent.
  • Possibility of tooth sensitivity — Similar to crowns, individuals may experience temporary tooth sensitivity after the application of veneers. This resolves as the teeth adapt to the new restorations.
  • Aesthetic limitations — Veneers may not be suitable for addressing significant structural issues or major misalignments. In such cases, alternative treatments like crowns or orthodontic procedures may be more appropriate.

Find a Reliable Dentist Near Me

At Northridge Advanced Dentistry, we believe in providing comprehensive dental care that goes beyond oral health. We are committed to crafting beautiful, confident smiles that reflect your unique personality and style. Whether you're considering dental crowns or veneers, our skilled professionals are here to guide you through the process, ensuring that you leave our practice with a perfect and radiant smile. Contact us today at 818-701-3010 to schedule an appointment.