Do you believe your smile could use some enhancement? Your dentist is ready to help you reach both your aesthetic and oral health goals for your smile. There are a number of different treatments that may be recommended. For example, you may be a candidate for either crowns or veneers. Which option is right for you? Read on below to learn some details about these two services.
Crowns and Veneers: The Basics
A veneer is a custom-crafted piece of porcelain that a dentist fits over the outward-facing surface of a tooth. Veneers are ultra-thin and designed to look as natural as possible. They can disguise a wide range of aesthetic flaws.
A crown is a tooth-shaped cap that gets placed over the entire portion of a tooth that is visible above the gumline. Crowns can be made out of various materials, but porcelain and ceramic are usually preferred because they have an extremely natural appearance.
Crowns and Veneers: A Comparison
Here is a brief comparison of some important aspects of crowns and veneers:
- Purpose: Crowns have cosmetic benefits, but their primary purpose is restorative. They can protect a damaged tooth and restore its shape, function, and strength. Conversely, veneers are designed purely to enhance the appearance of teeth. Also, while veneers can be placed on back teeth, they are usually reserved for the teeth that are easily visible when a person smiles. Crowns can be placed on virtually any tooth.
- Timing and treatment process. Both treatments require at least a couple of visits to a dentist’s office, and both require that the underlying teeth be permanently modified. However, veneers require less modification.
- Cost. The cost of veneers and crowns can vary greatly. Veneers are not typically covered by insurance because they are considered to be a purely elective treatment. Crowns, on the other hand, are often partially covered because of their restorative nature.
Which Is Best for You?
Whether crowns or veneers are best for your unique situation depends on the state of your teeth, which teeth you want to transform, and other factors. Your dentist will make a treatment recommendation after they have had the opportunity to examine your mouth. However you move forward, you can look forward to a more beautiful smile!
Meet the Practice
The oral health professionals at All Dental in Watertown proudly offer a long list of cosmetic and restorative services, including both veneers and crowns. If you are interested in either one of these services, our team would be pleased to consult with you. Get in touch with our office at 617-924-9993.