Are you here because you have a damaged tooth but aren’t sure whether veneers or crowns are the right restoration option? Let’s explore the differences and what they’re best suited to treat. Both options can dramatically improve the look of your teeth, but they serve different purposes and work best for specific dental issues.
Here’s a quick comparison:
- Veneers: These are thin shells that a dentist bonds to the front of your teeth for cosmetic purposes
- Crowns: These cover the entire tooth for function and aesthetics
- Cost: Veneers are typically cheaper upfront than crowns
- Durability: Crowns generally last a bit longer than veneers
- Recovery: The veneer procedure is simpler than the crown procedure
Understanding Your Options: Veneers
Dental veneers in Edina, MN, are custom-crafted, thin shells made of porcelain, ceramic, or resin. They are great for covering stains that whitening doesn’t remove, closing small gaps between teeth, hiding worn-down or misshapen teeth, and covering minor chips.
The veneer process usually takes two visits. During the first appointment, your dentist will prepare your teeth by removing a very thin layer of enamel to make room for the veneer. Your dental team will take a digital impression of the prepared tooth, choose a shade of white, and send your information to a custom dental lab that creates your veneers. You’ll get temporary veneers to protect your teeth while your custom veneers are being made.
At your second appointment, your dentist will remove the temporaries, adjust your custom veneers, and cement them securely in place.
The bottom line: Veneers are great for fixing minor cosmetic imperfections.
Understanding Your Options: Crowns
Crowns can function as cosmetic fixes, but are also deeply functional. They act as protective helmets for damaged teeth and restore bite and chewing function. Teeth that are decayed, cracked, or broken can benefit from crowns. They are also used to support dental bridges used to replace missing teeth, as well as for teeth following a root canal.
The crown process depends on whether you are getting a traditional crown or a CEREC same-day crown. At 50th and France Dental Care, we offer both options. The process is similar either way, but the number of appointments differs. Your dentist will prepare your tooth through shaping and take digital impressions. If you are getting a traditional crown, you’ll get a temporary crown placed while your custom crown is being made. If you are undergoing the CEREC same-day crown procedure, your permanent crown will be placed in the same visit.
The bottom line: Crowns are usually best for teeth with structural damage or decay. These work best after root canals, for cracked teeth, or when large fillings compromise your tooth structure.
Interested in a Veneer or Crown? Consider Giving Us a Call
You don’t have to guess in regards to whether veneers or crowns are the right option for you. We’d be happy to set you up with a consultation so that you can talk through your options with an experienced dentist. They’ll recommend the right treatment for your specific situation. Please call (952) 922-5561 to schedule a consultation.