Veneers and crowns are dental restoration techniques that enhance the appearance and functionality of your teeth. Though both these treatments aim to improve your teeth’ aesthetics, they differ in the coverage they offer. Veneers are made to cover only the front surface of your tooth, whereas crowns are like caps that cover an entire tooth.
Both these dental restoration treatments are effective ways to cover your smile’s flaws. However, it is essential to determine which treatment is the best for you. To understand the difference between a composite veneers and a dental crown better, we must understand their basics first.
About Composite Veneers Brisbane
Composite veneers are made from resin material, a type of plastic. They are shaped freehand to be placed directly onto your teeth to give them the desired shape or colour. If looked after well, composite veneers can have a lifespan of two to five years.
They are ideal for covering up tooth imperfections like:
- Crooked tooth
- Chipped tooth
- Stained tooth
- Discoloured tooth
Composite veneers offer multiple benefits, including:
- Quick Application – Composite veneers are quick and easy to place, so you don’t have to spend hours at a dental clinic. Your dentist can fix the veneers for you in just one or two appointments.
- Fix Multiple Flaws – Composite veneers can correct multiple flaws with your teeth, like discolouration, damage, crack, or misalignment.
- Inexpensive – While most dental restoration techniques are expensive, composite veneers are cheaper. In addition, they are pocket friendly and ideal for most patients who want to improve their smile.
- Easy Replacement – It is easy to replace or repair a composite veneer by simply removing and replacing the old one with a new one.
About Dental Crown Brisbane
Crowns are like caps that cover your teeth thoroughly to restore their shape, size, strength, and look. However, they demand a more extensive filing or grinding process for placement. Made of metals, porcelain, resin and ceramics, dental crowns can last between five to 15 years with good oral hygiene practices.
Dental crowns are ideal to be used in case of:
- Fractured or severely decayed tooth
- Enamel loss
- Cover a tooth that has undergone a root canal
- Cracked or broken tooth
Dental crowns offer advantages like:
- Durability – The materials used to create dental crowns can withstand the trauma of chewing, biting, and grinding food. Dental crowns are designed to last long and offer great comfort throughout.
- Customisation – Dental crowns are customised to match your teeth’ size, shape, and colour, making it difficult for anyone to notice them.
- Added Support – Dental crowns support your weak teeth, safeguarding them from further damage.
Composite Veneers vs. Crowns
Though composite veneers and dental crowns serve different purposes, both have one thing in common: they alter the appearance of your teeth.
Veneers are made to cover the front surface of your tooth while leaving the rest of the original tooth intact. In comparison, crowns are made to cover an entire tooth. Therefore, a crown is a more suitable option for cases where there is a need to alter the look of a significantly damaged tooth or when restorations like a large filling are inappropriate.
Both these dental restoration techniques can give you whiter, straighter teeth. However, veneers can cover several teeth, while crowns can only cover a specific tooth.
The cost of veneers and crowns can vary significantly, depending on factors such as the size and location of the affected tooth. However, the cost of getting composite veneers will typically be less than that of dental crowns. Read our guide on composite veneers to know more.
It is wise to say crowns serve a restorative purpose while enhancing your smile. In contrast, veneers are used for cosmetic reasons only.
Which One Is Right for You?
Crowns are a better option to fix missing, frail or broken teeth in your mouth. Issues like tooth decay, cracked fillings, or root canals may damage your tooth to the extent that they cannot be fixed with a standard filling. For such cases, it is advisable to go for a dental crown permanently cemented on top of your existing tooth to restore it and give it more strength.
Also, since crowns are customised to match your teeth’ shape, size and colour, they provide a uniform look that looks appealing. On the other hand, dental veneers are an ideal option for patients with sturdy teeth but with visible flaws like discolouration, cracks or chips or gaps. Veneers are cosmetic, so they are perfect for use in situations where the patient wants to improve the look of their smile.
If you think your teeth need veneers or crowns but need help deciding which option is the best for you, feel free to schedule an appointment with our team at Hashtag Dentist in Brisbane. Our dentist will examine your teeth and suggest the most appropriate treatment.
