Veneers or Crowns: Which Treatment is Right for You?

So, you’ve narrowed down your next dental treatment to one of two choices: veneers or crowns. However, you don’t know how to proceed. Would porcelain veneers be better, or are dental crowns the ideal option? Just what are their costs and benefits?

For those who need help deciding, here’s a comparison of porcelain veneers and dental crowns’ relative benefits. Evaluate them to see which treatment your situation favors!

Why Get Veneers?

As you may know, most dental veneers are layers of wafer-thin porcelain bonded to the front of teeth. The porcelain, color-matched to your natural smile, helps your teeth look smoother, whiter, and brighter. Plus, the entire transformation process can be completed in as little as two appointments!

If the issues in question are cosmetic, veneers are a great selection. They’re known to solve problems like stains, chipping, cracks, and simple misalignment.

Dentists will place veneers on those teeth that are visible when you smile. While molars and other back teeth can have them, it’s usually not recommended due to the force they endure while chewing. Crowns are preferred in those cases.

Why Get Crowns?

A dental crown encases the entire tooth, not just the front. Made of metal, porcelain, or some combination of both, it will hide a tooth’s prior damage and protect it from further decay. It’s usually around double the thickness of a veneer, making it more durable and crack-resistant than the latter.

In contrast to veneers, crowns are only necessary when dealing with significant dental problems. These might include badly broken, cracked teeth or areas in need of root canal treatment. In these scenarios, a crown keeps the tooth intact and protects it from further damage that might lead to extraction.

Crowns, unlike veneers, are often covered by insurance because of their restorative uses.

Talk to Your Dentist

Even as you learn the differing strengths of veneers and crowns, talk to your dentist about other pertinent details.

For instance, you should learn from them how much your crown or veneer will cost and how much (if anything) your insurance will cover. You’ll also want to know about your dentist’s experience with both procedures.

Other questions will depend on your particular needs, but some you may want to ask include:

• How long do you expect my veneer or crown to last?
• Will the initial cost cover subsequent visits if the fit isn’t right?
• Do you recommend any special care for the veneer or crown?

Porcelain veneers and dental crowns are both excellent services, neither being the objectively superior choice. However, by knowing their unique specialties, it’s possible to discover the one that’ll benefit you the most!

About the Practice

Lacquaniti Dental is based in Mount Dora, FL. Headed by Dr. Stephanie Lacquaniti, who earned her dental doctorate at the University of Florida’s College of Dentistry, their team strives for patient-focused dental care. Dr. Lacquaniti also leads by example, pursuing continuing education opportunities through SPEAR Education. The practice uses this education in its comprehensive dental services for family-friendly dentistry ideal for the whole community. For more information or to schedule an appointment, the practice can be reached at their website or by phone at (352)-383-8121.