Did you know that 36 percent of Americans are unhappy with their teeth? Are you part of this group yourself?
There are lots of ways that you can improve your smile, including seeking out dental procedures like crowns and veneers.
Are you having a hard time choosing between crowns vs veneers? If so, keep reading. We’re breaking down all the differences for you here to help you decide.
What Are Crowns?
A crown is a type of cap or cover that’s secured on top of the teeth.
Lots of people consider getting crowns on the front teeth when those teeth are missing or severely damaged. Crowns can be used for any teeth, though, including those with cavities that are too large for fillings.
Pros and Cons of Crowns
The process of getting crowns placed is fairly straightforward, and there are lots of options for crown materials (porcelain, gold, zirconia, etc.).
Crowns also work for large gaps in the teeth. If you have several teeth missing or damaged, choosing a dental bridge vs implant might be more cost-effective and provide better results.
Crowns have been around for a long time, too. There’s plenty of information available about them to help you choose which type of crown you need. You can easily learn all about all-on-4s or other unique styles without having to do a ton of searching.
The biggest downside to crowns is the fact that it takes several appointments to complete the procedure. You might also become more sensitive to temperatures after the crowns have been placed.
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin coverings that the dentist places on top of your natural teeth.
Veneers are more of a cosmetic fix rather than a tool to address issues like cavities. That’s why people usually choose between front teeth crowns vs veneers and not crowns vs veneers for the back teeth that no one sees.
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Folks who are only looking for cosmetic improvements may prefer veneers over crowns. Veneers can be placed in just two appointments in most cases, and the process is fairly painless.
There are lots of different types of veneers to choose from, too. This makes it easy to find a style that best works for you and complements your natural smile.
A downside to veneers is that they’re quite expensive. Dental insurance doesn’t cover them, either, so the price may be off-putting to a lot of people.
Because they’re a strictly cosmetic procedure, veneers aren’t a good fit for those who have serious dental issues and require more extensive work (fillings, root canals, etc.).
Crowns vs Veneers: Which Is Right for You?
You now know way more about the differences between porcelain crowns vs veneers, as well as the different types of veneers and types of crowns for teeth.
What do you think? Which option is right for you?
Keep the information outlined above in mind so you can make the best decision for your dental health. If you need more dental advice, visit the Health section of our site to keep learning.