Veneers Or Dental Crowns: Which One Is Right For You?
Posted on: 16 April 2015
If you are considering getting some dental work done, you may have a crown in mind. There are some situations that make a crown most pragmatic, but you may also want to talk with your dentist about veneers as an option. Veneers may be a better option for those considering crowns for cosmetic reasons, and when the teeth have not been severely traumatized.
Some things to consider and talk with your dental provider about include:
Cosmetic Restoration
Veneers are the more common choice when looking for cosmetic restoration of teeth. These don't change the bite of the patient, and can give the teeth a straighter, whiter appearance. Crowns, on the other hand, can change the bite and may be used more frequently after a root canal or when restoring an isolated tooth or two.
Injury Repair
Crowns may be more practical when an injury is involved. When patients have severely cracked or damaged teeth due to some sort of trauma, crowns may accompany surgical procedures to make a tooth look more uniform with the rest of the teeth. Veneers can hide injury and trauma, but need a solid foundation to adhere to which makes it less prudent for repair from an injury.
The Procedure
The procedure for veneers is fairly non-invasive, requiring that a small amount of enamel is removed from the teeth to give the veneer something to stick to. Crowns are a bit more involved and often require more extensive dental work prior to putting them in. Since both crowns and veneers are made of porcelain, they can be easily cracked if you bite down on hard surfaces.
Costs and Insurance
If you have dental insurance coverage, it is more likely that this will cover crowns than it will veneers. Talk with your providers and insurers about the medical necessity of the procedure, as well as to determine the related out-of-pocket costs. Generally insurance carriers will balk at any procedure deemed cosmetic in nature.
If you have experienced damage to a tooth or teeth, or if you are looking to straighten or brighten your smile, veneers and crowns may be the solution. Both are typically offered by dentists, and each have their own distinct benefits and advantages for the patient. Before deciding which route to go, talk with your dentist to go over the options, need, and costs of each procedure. To learn more about veneers, visit Aaron G Birch, DDS PC.
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