When it comes to tooth repair, you have a few different options.
You can cover up that chipped tooth with a temporary filler, you could wear a removable appliance like a retainer or partial denture, or you could opt for one of two long-term solutions: either getting dental veneers or having crowns fitted into your mouth.
“Crowns are often more expensive than veneers, but they’re also stronger and will last longer.”
There are a few differences between the two options.
This article will cover what each entails and the benefits and disadvantages of both options.
Dental Veneers
Veneers are coatings that are bonded onto the surface of teeth in order to improve their appearance.
They’re custom-designed out of porcelain or resin according to the patient’s tooth colour, size, and shape.
Veneers are usually applied to the front teeth, where they will be visible when you smile and talk, and in some cases veneers can be used on other teeth in order to give them a uniform appearance.
Veneers can also be used to protect the surface of teeth that have been chemically weakened by decay or damage.
You can use them for cases such as:
- Repairing chipped and cracked teeth;
- Fixing gaps between your teeth;
- Re-contouring teeth that are misshapen;
- Covering up stained teeth.
Benefits of Veneers
Veneers are a relatively affordable option when it comes to tooth repair.
They have the advantage of being designed with great detail so that they will blend in with natural teeth, and because porcelain is a translucent material, veneers can be made to match any shade or tone.
Lastly, veneers are extremely thin and require minimal alteration to the tooth.
Drawbacks of Veneers
However, despite their benefits, there are some drawbacks when it comes to veneers.
Before deciding to get this type of repair done, you should consider that they’re not very durable and may only last up to 10 years.
Additionally, they require professional installation by a dentist or dental hygienist.
Crowns
A crown is a prosthetic device that fits over the entire visible portion of your tooth to restore its function and appearance.
Sometimes called a “cap,” crowns are most commonly used for teeth which have been broken or cracked, or for teeth which have large fillings that may be unsightly and impact the bite.
Crowns are usually made out of a metal alloy which matches the colour and texture of your natural teeth, but may also be fabricated from porcelain or resin.
These prosthetics serve to bind together fractured tooth pieces and restore strength to that tooth as well as its appearance.
Benefits of Crowns
Crowns are a popular choice for people who have had veneers in the past, because they’re stronger and longer-lasting.
A crown usually lasts between 10 to 15 years, while veneers may last, at most, 10 years.
Crowns are less expensive than veneers as well, and can be placed at the same time as a filling or other tooth procedure.
Drawbacks of Crowns
Although crowns are good for restoring function and appearance to your teeth, they don’t come without their disadvantages.
They require a longer treatment time – sometimes up to two visits – because they need to be crafted by a skilled dentist.
If you have a tooth which is fractured or decayed, it’s recommended that your dentist remove the damaged portion before applying the crown.
How Do I Know Which is Right for Me?
After considering all your options, you can discuss with your dentist which type of reparative dental work would be the best option for you.
Each process has its own benefits and disadvantages, but there are some cases where crowns may be a better choice than veneers.
For example, if you’re looking for a more affordable option that will last you longer, or if you’ve had problems with your veneers in the past (such as splitting), you may want to talk with your dentist about crowns.
If you’re looking for a more aesthetic option which will repair chipped teeth and return your smile to its natural beauty, then veneers are likely the better choice.
To find out which type of permanent dental repair would work best for you, contact your dentist.
Dental veneers and crowns are two different long-term solutions for tooth damage.
Dental veneers can be made to match your teeth perfectly, but they’re not as strong or durable as crowns.
Crowns may last longer than dental veneers (up to 15 years) but require more time in the dentist’s chair during installation.
It’s best to talk with a dentist about which option would work best for you before deciding on one solution over another.
