Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Is a Veneer?What Is a Crown?CostsAftercareFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
What Is a Veneer?
What Is a Crown?
Costs
Aftercare
Frequently Asked Questions
While veneers and crowns can be similar in their physical appearance, they serve different purposes. The main difference is that a veneer covers the front of the tooth and is used mostly for aesthetic purposes, while a dental crown covers the entire tooth and is used to restore a tooth’s shape and improve its strength.
Here we will break down what to consider if you’re looking to get veneers or crowns.
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Dental veneersare wafer-thin, custom-made shells of tooth-colored materials designed to cover the front surface of your teeth. This is done to improve your appearance.
The shells are bonded to the front of your teeth, changing the color, shape, size, or length of them.
It’s important to consider the various types of dental veneers, which can be made from porcelain or resin composite materials. These can be referred to as porcelain veneers or composite veneers.
Veneers can be used to fix teeth that are discolored from:
Veneers can also be used to fix teeth that are worn down, chipped, broken, misaligned, or have gaps between them.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite VeneersPorcelain veneers are the most common type.Composite veneers, in the long term, are the most cost-effective option. Of course, the cost of veneers can vary depending on where you live and your dentist’s experience.
Porcelain Veneers vs. Composite Veneers
Porcelain veneers are the most common type.Composite veneers, in the long term, are the most cost-effective option. Of course, the cost of veneers can vary depending on where you live and your dentist’s experience.
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Procedure
It can typically take three trips to the dentist to apply a dentalveneer: one visit for a consultation and two to make and apply the veneers. Your dentist will need to examine your teeth to confirm that dental veneers are right for you and discuss the full procedure.
To prepare your tooth for a veneer, the tooth surface will need to be reshaped. Next, your dentist will make a model or impression of your tooth. The model is then sent out to a laboratory. In the meantime, temporary dental veneers can be used.
Your dentist will check the veneer on your tooth to examine its fit and color. They’ll remove and trim the veneer to achieve the proper fit before permanently cementing it to your tooth. The color of the veneer can be adjusted with the shade of cement being used.
Next, to prepare your tooth to receive the veneer, the tooth will be cleaned, polished, and etched. Etching roughens the tooth to allow for a strong bonding process. A special cement is applied to the veneer and placed on your tooth.
With the veneer properly positioned, your dentist will shine a special light beam on it to activate chemicals in the cement, causing it to harden very quickly.
The final steps include removing any excess cement, checking your bite, and making any necessary adjustments. Your dentist may ask you to return for a follow-up visit in a couple of weeks to check your gums and the veneer’s placement.
Pros
There are multiple advantages when considering veneers.
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Cons
While veneers have their advantages, there are some risks to consider.
Adental crownis a tooth-shaped cap that’s placed over the entire tooth. This is done to cover the tooth and to restore its shape, size, strength, and improve its appearance.
When crowns are cemented into place, they fully encase the entire visible portion of a tooth that lies at and above the gum line.
Crown UsesA dental crown can be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking and to cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left. Crowns can also serve the purpose of holding adental bridgein place, covering adental implant, or covering misshapen or badly discolored teeth.
Crown Uses
A dental crown can be used to protect a weak tooth from breaking and to cover and support a tooth with a large filling when there isn’t a lot of tooth left. Crowns can also serve the purpose of holding adental bridgein place, covering adental implant, or covering misshapen or badly discolored teeth.
You’ll usually be required to visit the dentist two times to prepare a tooth for a crown. On the first visit, your dentist may take a fewX-raysto check the roots of the tooth receiving the crown and surrounding bone. If there is extensive decay or if there’s a risk of infection or injury to your tooth’s pulp, a root canal treatment may need to be performed first.
Before the process of making a crown begins, your dentist willanesthetize(numb) the tooth and the gum tissue around the tooth. The tooth receiving the crown is reshaped along the chewing surface and sides to make space for the crown. The type of crown being used will determine how much of your tooth will be reshaped or removed.
If a large area of your tooth is missing, your dentist will use filling material to “build up” the tooth to support the crown.
After your tooth is reshaped, your dentist will use a paste or putty to make an impression of the tooth to receive the crown. Sometimes, impressions are made with a digital scanner. Your dentist will also make impressions of the teeth above or below the one receiving the dental crown to make sure the crown won’t affect your bite.
The impressions or scans are sent to a dental lab where the crown will be manufactured. This process can take two to three weeks. If the crown is made of porcelain, your dentist will also select the shade that most closely matches the color of the neighboring teeth.
During the first visit, your dentist will make a temporary crown to cover and protect the prepared tooth while the crown is being made.
At the second visit, your dentist will remove the temporary crown and check the fit and color of the permanent crown. If everything is acceptable, a local anesthetic will be used to numb the tooth and the new crown will be permanently cemented in place.
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Dental crowns provide solutions to a number of dental problems, including:
Crowns are long-lasting and can hold up for five to 15 years, depending on maintenance.
There are risks and complications to be considered when getting a dentalcrown, including:
When considering veneers or crowns, it’s important to keep in mind the costs for each procedure.
Veneer
The cost of a veneer can vary depending on what type of veneer you plan on getting. Composite veneers can cost between $400 and $2,000 per tooth, while the cost of porcelain veneers runs between $1,000 and $2,500 per tooth. Of course, the cost of veneers can vary depending on where you live and your dentist’s experience.
Insurance
Crowns
Generally, crowns can range from $800-$1,700 per crown. Once again, the cost of veneers can vary depending on where you live and your dentist’s experience.
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If you’re considering either veneers or crowns, it’s important to keep in mind maintenance after either procedure.
The recovery process after receiving veneers is fairly short. Once the veneers are cemented and the anesthesia wears off, you can eat and chew as you normally would.
Traditional porcelain veneers typically last 10 years. Taking certain precautions can help make sure that you get the longest use out of them as possible. These precautions include:
For the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving a dental crown, you should avoid sticky and hard foods. Beyond that time, you may start to treat your crown as though it’s a natural tooth.
While a crowned tooth doesn’t require any special care, please keep in mind that just because a tooth is crowned, that doesn’t mean that the tooth is protected from decay or gum disease.
Oral HygieneWith either veneers or crowns, it’s important to practice goodoral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day,flossingdaily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
Oral Hygiene
With either veneers or crowns, it’s important to practice goodoral hygiene, such as brushing your teeth at least twice a day,flossingdaily, and rinsing with an antibacterial mouthwash.
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Summary
When making the choice between veneers and crowns, keep in mind that the goal is to improve your smile and the function of your teeth.
Veneers can typically be used when considering a cosmetic improvement, such as a chipped tooth. Crowns should be considered when the tooth has experienced a lot of decay.
Consult with your dentist to weigh your best options taking into consideration your dental health, desired end result, and budget.
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A Word From Verywell
When considering between veneers or crowns, take the time to sit down with your dentist and discuss what you feel are your best options. Keep in mind what you are looking to achieve long-term while also considering maintenance and cost.
It’s also very important to keep in mind how vital dental hygiene is to your well-being. Getting regular dental check-ups and practicing good dental hygiene are essential when it comes to maintaining your veneer or crown and the rest of your teeth.
Frequently Asked QuestionsVeneers and crowns each have their advantages and disadvantages. If your tooth has a large filling, root canal, or is very worn or cracked, a crown is likely the best option. If your tooth is mostly intact and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, a veneer may be the best option.Veneers can typically last anywhere from five to 10 years, whereas crowns have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care, good dental hygiene habits, and regular dental check-ups, some crowns may last for decades. Depending on the material used and your dental habits, the lifespan of a veneer compared to a crown is similar, but veneers may not last as long because they’re thinner.
Veneers and crowns each have their advantages and disadvantages. If your tooth has a large filling, root canal, or is very worn or cracked, a crown is likely the best option. If your tooth is mostly intact and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, a veneer may be the best option.
Veneers can typically last anywhere from five to 10 years, whereas crowns have an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. However, with proper care, good dental hygiene habits, and regular dental check-ups, some crowns may last for decades. Depending on the material used and your dental habits, the lifespan of a veneer compared to a crown is similar, but veneers may not last as long because they’re thinner.
15 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Dental Association.Veneers.Punj A, Bompolaki D, Garaicoa J.Dental impression materials and techniques.Dent Clin North Am. 2017;61(4):779-796. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004Blatz MB, Vonderheide M, Conejo J.The effect of resin bonding on long-term success of high-strength ceramics.J Dent Res. 2018;97(2):132-139. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004Morimoto S, Albanesi RB, Sesma N, et al.Main clinical outcomes of feldspathic porcelain and glass-ceramic laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and complication rates.Int J Prosthodont. 2016;29(1):38-49. doi:10.11607/ijp.4315El-Mowafy O, El-Aawar N, El-Mowafy N.Porcelain veneers: an update.Dent Med Probl. 2018;55(2):207-211. doi:10.17219/dmp/90729National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Dental crowns.Wahle WM, Masri R, Driscoll C, Romberg E.Evaluating ceramic crown margins with digital radiography.J Prosthet Dent. 2018;119(5):777-782. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2017.07.020Dai N, Zhong Y, Liu H, Yuan F, Sun Y.Digital modeling technology for full dental crown tooth preparation.Comput Biol Med. 2016;71:190-197. doi:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.02.008Johns Hopkins.Dental implants.Politano G, Van Meerbeek B, Peumans M.Nonretentive bonded ceramic partial crowns: concept and simplified protocol for long-lasting dental restorations.J Adhes Dent. 2018;20(6):495-510. doi:10.3290/j.jad.a41630Holmstrup P, Plemons J, Meyle J.Non-plaque-induced gingival diseases.J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20):S28-S43. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12938Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Porcelain veneers—procedure costs & recovery.Pjetursson BE, Thoma D, Jung R, Zwahlen M, Zembic A.A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years.Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(Suppl 6):22-38. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02546.xFor the dental patient. Improving your smile with dental veneers.J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(8):1147. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2003.0332Alothman Y, Bamasoud MS.The success of dental veneers according to preparation design and material type.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(12):2402-2408. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.353
15 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Dental Association.Veneers.Punj A, Bompolaki D, Garaicoa J.Dental impression materials and techniques.Dent Clin North Am. 2017;61(4):779-796. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004Blatz MB, Vonderheide M, Conejo J.The effect of resin bonding on long-term success of high-strength ceramics.J Dent Res. 2018;97(2):132-139. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004Morimoto S, Albanesi RB, Sesma N, et al.Main clinical outcomes of feldspathic porcelain and glass-ceramic laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and complication rates.Int J Prosthodont. 2016;29(1):38-49. doi:10.11607/ijp.4315El-Mowafy O, El-Aawar N, El-Mowafy N.Porcelain veneers: an update.Dent Med Probl. 2018;55(2):207-211. doi:10.17219/dmp/90729National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Dental crowns.Wahle WM, Masri R, Driscoll C, Romberg E.Evaluating ceramic crown margins with digital radiography.J Prosthet Dent. 2018;119(5):777-782. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2017.07.020Dai N, Zhong Y, Liu H, Yuan F, Sun Y.Digital modeling technology for full dental crown tooth preparation.Comput Biol Med. 2016;71:190-197. doi:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.02.008Johns Hopkins.Dental implants.Politano G, Van Meerbeek B, Peumans M.Nonretentive bonded ceramic partial crowns: concept and simplified protocol for long-lasting dental restorations.J Adhes Dent. 2018;20(6):495-510. doi:10.3290/j.jad.a41630Holmstrup P, Plemons J, Meyle J.Non-plaque-induced gingival diseases.J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20):S28-S43. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12938Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Porcelain veneers—procedure costs & recovery.Pjetursson BE, Thoma D, Jung R, Zwahlen M, Zembic A.A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years.Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(Suppl 6):22-38. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02546.xFor the dental patient. Improving your smile with dental veneers.J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(8):1147. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2003.0332Alothman Y, Bamasoud MS.The success of dental veneers according to preparation design and material type.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(12):2402-2408. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.353
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Dental Association.Veneers.Punj A, Bompolaki D, Garaicoa J.Dental impression materials and techniques.Dent Clin North Am. 2017;61(4):779-796. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004Blatz MB, Vonderheide M, Conejo J.The effect of resin bonding on long-term success of high-strength ceramics.J Dent Res. 2018;97(2):132-139. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004Morimoto S, Albanesi RB, Sesma N, et al.Main clinical outcomes of feldspathic porcelain and glass-ceramic laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and complication rates.Int J Prosthodont. 2016;29(1):38-49. doi:10.11607/ijp.4315El-Mowafy O, El-Aawar N, El-Mowafy N.Porcelain veneers: an update.Dent Med Probl. 2018;55(2):207-211. doi:10.17219/dmp/90729National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Dental crowns.Wahle WM, Masri R, Driscoll C, Romberg E.Evaluating ceramic crown margins with digital radiography.J Prosthet Dent. 2018;119(5):777-782. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2017.07.020Dai N, Zhong Y, Liu H, Yuan F, Sun Y.Digital modeling technology for full dental crown tooth preparation.Comput Biol Med. 2016;71:190-197. doi:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.02.008Johns Hopkins.Dental implants.Politano G, Van Meerbeek B, Peumans M.Nonretentive bonded ceramic partial crowns: concept and simplified protocol for long-lasting dental restorations.J Adhes Dent. 2018;20(6):495-510. doi:10.3290/j.jad.a41630Holmstrup P, Plemons J, Meyle J.Non-plaque-induced gingival diseases.J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20):S28-S43. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12938Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Porcelain veneers—procedure costs & recovery.Pjetursson BE, Thoma D, Jung R, Zwahlen M, Zembic A.A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years.Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(Suppl 6):22-38. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02546.xFor the dental patient. Improving your smile with dental veneers.J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(8):1147. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2003.0332Alothman Y, Bamasoud MS.The success of dental veneers according to preparation design and material type.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(12):2402-2408. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.353
American Dental Association.Veneers.
Punj A, Bompolaki D, Garaicoa J.Dental impression materials and techniques.Dent Clin North Am. 2017;61(4):779-796. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004
Blatz MB, Vonderheide M, Conejo J.The effect of resin bonding on long-term success of high-strength ceramics.J Dent Res. 2018;97(2):132-139. doi:10.1016/j.cden.2017.06.004
Morimoto S, Albanesi RB, Sesma N, et al.Main clinical outcomes of feldspathic porcelain and glass-ceramic laminate veneers: a systematic review and meta-analysis of survival and complication rates.Int J Prosthodont. 2016;29(1):38-49. doi:10.11607/ijp.4315
El-Mowafy O, El-Aawar N, El-Mowafy N.Porcelain veneers: an update.Dent Med Probl. 2018;55(2):207-211. doi:10.17219/dmp/90729
National Library of Medicine: MedlinePlus.Dental crowns.
Wahle WM, Masri R, Driscoll C, Romberg E.Evaluating ceramic crown margins with digital radiography.J Prosthet Dent. 2018;119(5):777-782. doi:10.1016/j.prosdent.2017.07.020
Dai N, Zhong Y, Liu H, Yuan F, Sun Y.Digital modeling technology for full dental crown tooth preparation.Comput Biol Med. 2016;71:190-197. doi:10.1016/j.compbiomed.2016.02.008
Johns Hopkins.Dental implants.
Politano G, Van Meerbeek B, Peumans M.Nonretentive bonded ceramic partial crowns: concept and simplified protocol for long-lasting dental restorations.J Adhes Dent. 2018;20(6):495-510. doi:10.3290/j.jad.a41630
Holmstrup P, Plemons J, Meyle J.Non-plaque-induced gingival diseases.J Clin Periodontol. 2018;45(Suppl 20):S28-S43. doi:10.1111/jcpe.12938
Consumer Guide to Dentistry.Porcelain veneers—procedure costs & recovery.
Pjetursson BE, Thoma D, Jung R, Zwahlen M, Zembic A.A systematic review of the survival and complication rates of implant-supported fixed dental prostheses (FDPs) after a mean observation period of at least 5 years.Clin Oral Implants Res. 2012;23(Suppl 6):22-38. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0501.2012.02546.x
For the dental patient. Improving your smile with dental veneers.J Am Dent Assoc. 2003;134(8):1147. doi:10.14219/jada.archive.2003.0332
Alothman Y, Bamasoud MS.The success of dental veneers according to preparation design and material type.Open Access Maced J Med Sci. 2018;6(12):2402-2408. doi:10.3889/oamjms.2018.353
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