Veneers vs. crowns
Wondering about the difference between veneers and dental crowns? Both improve the look of your teeth but impact the function slightly differently. No matter which option is right for you, your Celebrate Dental care team can help.
The difference between veneers and crowns
Both veneers and dental crowns are great solutions for reclaiming your smile. Let’s walk through some of the key steps during each procedure.
Types of veneers
Veneers are a solution that enhances both the strength and look of your smile. There are several types of veneers, each with its own benefits:
Porcelain veneers
Porcelain veneers are thin shells made from high quality ceramic. They’re strong, durable, and resistant to staining—making them a popular choice. Your Celebrate Dental care team will carefully create them to match the natural color and shape of your existing teeth.
Composite resin veneers
These veneers are made from a tooth-colored resin material. A benefit to composite resin veneers is that your dentist can sculpt, apply and polish them—all in just one appointment. Composite resin veneers are a bit more economical, although they don’t last as long as porcelain.
Lumineers
Lumineers are a specific brand of ultra-thin porcelain veneers. They don’t require any enamel removal and are a great option if you’re looking for non-invasive treatment.
Snap-on-veneers (removable veneers)
Snap-on veneers, also known as clip-on veneers, are a more modern selection. They are custom-made to fit over your existing teeth and can be removed as needed. Snap-on veneers are more affordable than permanent veneers, but they don’t last quite as long.
Veneers pricing & crowns pricing
Both veneers and crowns are excellent solutions to enhance the look and strength of your teeth. The key difference is that veneers cover the front of your tooth while crowns encase your whole tooth. Discover your options by clicking the button below.
Veneers procedure
The procedure for applying veneers has several steps. Although unique care varies per patient, here’s a general idea of what to expect:
Veneers vs. crowns pros and cons
Is one better than the other? The choice comes down to your own oral health needs. Talk with your Celebrate Dental dentist about your best option and compare the pros and cons of each.
What are the pros and cons of dental veneers?
| Pros of dental veneers | Cons of dental veneers | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Can last 10-15 years with proper care. | May require replacement sooner than dental crowns. |
| Appearance | Offers a natural improved look for teeth. | May not perfectly match adjacent natural teeth. |
| Functionality | Quickly corrects discoloration, gaps and minor misalignment. | Less durable than natural teeth. Nail-biting and other tearing with front teeth discouraged. |
| Affordability | A cost-effective, cosmetic restoration solution. | May be partially covered by insurance. |
What are the pros and cons of dental crowns?
| Pros of dental crowns | Cons of dental crowns | |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | Lasts up to 15 years with proper care. | Will likely require replacement in the future. |
| Appearance | Offers a natural improved look for teeth. | Color may not exactly match your natural teeth. |
| Functionality | Restores full tooth functionality and protects damaged teeth. | A significant portion of natural tooth structure is removed, which is irreversible. May also cause temporary sensitivity. |
| Affordability | May be covered by dental insurance, depending on your plan. | Often more expensive than veneers, but most dental insurance plans will cover 50% of dental crowns cost. |
Crowns & Veneers FAQ’s
Is one treatment more effective than the other?
Veneers are great for improving the look of front teeth, while crowns offer more extensive protection and restoration for damaged teeth. Both will enhance the look of your smile.
How long is the dental crown recovery period compared to dental veneers?
Both procedures, dental crowns and veneers, may experience sensitivity in the day(s) following.
How much do veneers cost compared to crowns?
The cost of veneers and crowns varies based on your office location and the materials used.
How long do veneers last vs. crowns?
Veneers typically last 10-15 years, while crowns tend to last 15-20 years before needing replacement. Durability varies based on oral care and habits—so be good to your teeth!
What’s involved with getting a veneer?
- The dentist will make an impression of your prepared tooth by digitally scanning it or using a mold. The image or mold may be sent out to a lab if your dentist doesn’t have a facility on site.
- Depending on how much your tooth was trimmed, you may have a temporary veneer placed on the tooth until the new one is ready.
- When ready, the permanent veneer will replace the temporary one. It will be bonded to the tooth with a special cement and hardened with an ultraviolet lamp.
- There’s typically minimal movement of the tooth after the veneer is in place. But you may need to wear a night guard to protect the veneer if you grind or clench your teeth at night.
What’s involved with getting a crown?
- Your dentist will produce an impression of your tooth by digitally scanning it or by making a mold. The image or mold will be sent out to a lab for fabrication of the crown, if the dental office doesn’t have a lab facility.
- The dentist may place a temporary crown on your ground-down tooth so that you can use your tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
- When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown.
- They’ll then place the permanent crown on your tooth and will adjust it so that it fits correctly and your bite is right. Then they’ll cement the new crown into place.
Teeth with crowns may have some movement, which can change your bite. If this happens, you’ll need to have the crown adjusted.
How do you know which one is right for you?
If your tooth has a large filling, a root canal, or is very worn or cracked, a crown is likely the best option.
If your tooth is basically intact and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, a veneer may be the best option. Veneers can also be used for minor shape corrections.
How much do veneers cost vs. crowns cost?
Veneers and crowns can be costly. Individual costs vary, depending on the size of your tooth, where it is in your mouth, and the average prices in your area.
Most dental insurance programs won’t cover cosmetic dentistry. Also, most dental plans have a maximum annual limit of coverage. Check with your insurance company to see what they’ll cover.
Veneers
According to the American Cosmetic Dentistry organization, the cost for a veneer can range between $925 to $2,500 per tooth.
Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, but they last longer, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. The price of composite veneers ranges from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.
Crowns
The cost of a crown varies by the material used to make the crown, the amount of prep work needed, and the size of the tooth.
According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, crowns can range in price from $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth. This figure doesn’t include other procedures such as core buildup or root canals that might be needed before the crown is made.
Porcelain and ceramic crowns tend to be slightly more expensive than all-metal crowns.
Questions to ask your dentist
You’ll want to know at the outset how much your crown or veneer is going to cost, and how much, if anything, your insurance will pay toward the cost. You’ll also want to know about your dentist’s experience with both procedures.
Other questions for your dentist depend on your particular needs, but some questions you may want to ask include the following:
- Are there other options to consider, such as dentures or implants?
- How long do you expect my veneer or crown material to last?
- Will the initial cost cover subsequent visits if the crown fit isn’t right?
- Will I need to wear a mouth guard?
- Do you recommend any special care for the veneer or crown?
Medical references and resources
Veneers vs Crowns: What’s the Difference? – University General Dentists – https://utknoxvilledentists.com/veneers-vs-crowns-whats-the-difference/
Veneers vs. Crowns: What Are the Pros and Cons of Each? – https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/veneers-vs-crowns
Veneers vs. Crowns: What’s the Difference? – https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/difference-between-veneers-and-crowns
Crowns vs. Veneers: Comparison of Costs & Benefits | Byte® – https://www.byte.com/community/resources/article/crowns-vs-veneers/
Veneers vs Crowns | Difference Between Veneers and Crowns – https://www.aspendental.com/dental-services/cosmetic-dentistry/dental-veneers/veneers-vs-crowns/
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