Crowns vs Veneers: Which Will Give You a Perfect Smile?

If you want to enhance your smile, dental crowns and veneers are two popular dental services in Chicago that can work wonders in giving you that picture-perfect set of teeth you’ve always dreamed of.

So, how do you know which to choose?

This article will discuss the differences between crowns and veneers and help you determine which option is best for your smile.

What is a Dental Crown?

A dental crown is a restoration procedure that completely caps or encircles a tooth or dental implant.

Porcelain crowns and other types are customized to match your natural teeth’ color, shape, and size, thus providing a natural-looking enhancement.

What is a Veneer Tooth?

A veneer is a thin layer of restorative material, typically porcelain or composite resin, placed over a tooth’s front surface to improve its appearance.

Veneers are primarily used for cosmetic purposes, to enhance the aesthetics of a smile by altering the color, shape, size, or length of teeth.

Porcelain veneers are an ideal solution for addressing various dental issues, such as teeth that are discolored, worn down, chipped or broken, misaligned, uneven, or irregularly shaped, or to close gaps between teeth.

Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns

Dental crowns offer a range of benefits and come with certain drawbacks, making them more suitable for some situations than others.

Here are the pros and cons of dental crowns:

Pros:

1. Protection: Crowns protect weakened or damaged teeth, preventing further decay.
2. Aesthetic Improvement: They can significantly improve the appearance of teeth by covering discolorations, misshapen teeth, or dental implants.
3. Customization: Crowns are customized to match the color, size, and shape of your natural teeth, offering a natural-looking result.
4. Versatility: They can be used in various dental situations, such as following a root canal, covering a dental implant, or anchoring a dental bridge.

Cons:

1. Tooth Preparation: The process involves removing a significant amount of the tooth structure, which can weaken the remaining tooth.
2. Sensitivity: Some patients may experience sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after placing a crown.
3. Risk of Damage: While durable, crowns can still chip or break, requiring replacement or repair.

Pros and Cons of Veneers

Veneers, like any dental procedure, come with their own set of advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

1. Aesthetic Appeal: Veneers provide a significant cosmetic improvement, offering a brighter, more aligned, and aesthetically pleasing smile.
2. Stain Resistance: Porcelain veneers, in particular, are resistant to staining from coffee, tea, smoking, and other common causes of discoloration.
3. Minimal Tooth Structure Removal: Porcelain veneers require less tooth surface removal than crowns, preserving more natural tooth structure.
4. Durability: With proper care, porcelain veneers can last for many years; porcelain veneers often last 10 to 15 years or more.

Cons:

1. Irreversible Process: The procedure involves removing a small amount of the tooth’s enamel, making it irreversible.
2. Sensitivity: Some people may experience increased sensitivity to hot and cold temperatures after getting veneers due to the enamel removal.
3. Not Repairable: If a veneer chips or cracks, it usually cannot be repaired and must be completely replaced.

Crowns vs. Veneers: Which is Right for You?

If your tooth has a large filling, a root canal, or is worn out or cracked, a crown is probably your best bet.

On the other hand, if your tooth is in good shape and you’re seeking to enhance its appearance for cosmetic reasons, a veneer might be the way to go. Veneers are also effective for making slight adjustments to the shape of your teeth.

If you still aren’t sure which is better and are ready for a smile restoration service, talk with us at Art of Modern Dentistry.

Our cosmetic dentists will assess your teeth and discuss which service is better for you.

Let’s give you a high-quality crown or porcelain veneers for a perfect smile.

Book an appointment with us today.