Your smile is one of the most powerful tools you have to communicate with those around you. Studies have shown that two-thirds of Americans think people who smile are more approachable and trustworthy and make a great first impression. And yet, 40% of people don’t smile in photos because they dislike how their teeth look! When it comes to enhancing your smile, choosing veneers vs. crowns can be a big decision. Both options offer dramatic results, but they serve different purposes. At Bivona Family Dentistry, we specialize in both veneers and crowns, so the choice of how to brighten your smile comes down to your needs and preferences.
The Case for Dental Veneers
Dental veneers are custom shells, about the thickness of a fingernail, that cover imperfections on the front side of your teeth. They’re excellent for correcting cosmetic dental issues like crooked, misshapen, discolored, or unevenly spaced teeth. To make room for your veneers, we must remove some enamel from your tooth, which is a non-reversible process. However, with good oral hygiene, your veneers should last many years (even a lifetime), providing a stunning, long-lasting smile.
Some of the benefits of dental veneers are:
- Aesthetic versatility: You’ll work with our dental team to select veneers that match your existing teeth and are the exact shade you’re looking for. Veneers can improve the size, shape, and color of your teeth, creating a more uniform, bright, and attractive smile.
- Pain-free experience: We offer local anesthetic and sedation dentistry options in order to ensure a comfortable enamel removal procedure.
- Durability: With the right care, including regular brushing, flossing, and dental checkups, veneers can last as long as you need them to!
The Case for Dental Crowns
Dental crowns are essentially caps that we bond to damaged or decayed teeth. Crowns restore the functionality and appearance of natural teeth and, when combined with mini dental implants as a base, can even replace a missing tooth. Depending on price and preference, they can be made from metal, composite resin, ceramic, or porcelain. To place a crown, we need to reshape the target tooth so the crown fits seamlessly.
Advantages of dental crowns include:
- Restoration of damaged teeth: Crowns are a great way to fix several dental issues, such as cracked, chipped, or weakened teeth, as well as teeth that have undergone root canal therapy.
- Aesthetic improvement: They can enhance the appearance of discolored or misshapen teeth.
- Longevity: With good oral hygiene, crowns can last for many years, contributing to a healthier and more attractive smile.
At Bivona Family Dentistry, our advanced CEREC technology allows us to offer same-day dental crowns. We can prepare the tooth, design and create your custom crown, and cement it in place in just one visit.
Veneers vs. Crowns: Key Differences
Choosing between veneers and crowns depends on your dental needs and aesthetic goals. Veneers are ideal for those looking to enhance their smile cosmetically. In contrast, crowns are best suited for teeth requiring structural repair or replacement in addition to a visual touch-up.
- Purpose: Veneers primarily hide imperfections, promote a uniform smile, and only cover the front of the tooth. On the other hand, crowns cover the entire tooth and are used for restoration and protection.
- Procedure: Veneers require permanent enamel removal on the front of the tooth, whereas crowns involve reshaping the entire tooth. Both procedures are relatively painless but also non-reversible.
- Reliability: Both options are very durable, but their lifespan can vary based on oral hygiene and the material used for the restoration.
Whether you opt for veneers or crowns, our experienced team at Bivona Family Dentistry ensures a comfortable, satisfying procedure with beautiful results.
How Much Do Veneers and Crowns Cost?
Cost is often an important factor when evaluating the choice of veneers vs. crowns. Our goal is to make quality dental care affordable, so we’ll start by thoroughly reviewing your dental insurance with you. Cosmetic procedures like veneers tend to be trickier to get coverage for, so we’ll ensure you understand all your options before making a decision. If you need financing assistance, we partner with multiple lending companies that provide affordable monthly payment plans. We understand that insurance and financing can be complex, so our team is here to guide you through your choices to find the best option for your budget.
Veneers vs. Crowns: We’ll Help You Decide What’s Best!
Embarking on a journey to transform your smile is an exciting decision. If you’re considering veneers vs. crowns for a smile makeover, we invite you to schedule a consultation with us at Bivona Family Dentistry. Our dental team will evaluate your needs, discuss your cosmetic goals, and guide you toward achieving your dream smile!
