Crowns and veneers are both dental restoration methods that can improve the look and function of your teeth. Due to the fact they provide similar benefits, many people assume the two are the same, but there are key differences between crowns and veneers.
To help you figure out which of the options is best for you, we have outlined the key differences within this article, comparing the functions, costs, and longevity of both procedures to help you choose the best option for you.
What are dental crowns?
A dental crown is a tooth-shaped covering designed to fit over the existing tooth that can improve the way a decayed or broken tooth looks. These may be chosen for a variety of reasons, including needing to cover a weak tooth, if you’ve had a root canal, need to hold a bridge or denture in place, or have a badly decayed tooth.
A dental crown fits over your entire tooth like a snug hat, and some enamel is removed from your tooth to bond the replacement to it.
The ideal candidate for this treatment would be someone whose dental problems cannot be addressed with a filling or other treatments.
What are dental veneers?
Dental veneers are a type of restorative treatment which covers the front surface of the teeth and are mostly used for cosmetic purposes due to the fact they aren’t used to repair any broken teeth. There are two types of dental veneers that people often refer to: porcelain or bonded (composite) veneers. Both varieties use material that is bio-compatible meaning they can replicate natural teeth function with no interference to your daily routine.
Porcelain Veneers are made of ultra-thin ceramic porcelain that is permanently bonded to your natural tooth enamel. They are custom made to fit precisely over the prepared tooth to replicate the natural structure and colour of the existing teeth.
Bonded Veneers (also known as composite veneers) are specifically crafted and bonded to your tooth enamel. They are shaped and attached by a senior dentist, like the cosmetic dentistry team in Sydney, Melbourne, and Gold Coast at Vogue Dental Studios. This procedure is minimally invasive and provides immediate results, usually costs less and requires less wait time. However, this option doesn’t last as long as the porcelain counterpart, and isn't as stain resistant.
If your natural teeth have any staining or discolouration, slight chips or breakages, are oddly shaped, have gaps you’d like to close or are slightly crooked, dental veneers would be a great option for you.
Key differences between crowns and veneers
Crowns are primarily a restorative treatment and serve you best if your tooth is very damaged, has a large filling or has undergone a root canal, since the enamel is compromised, and the tooth will need better protection.
Made from a variety of materials, including metal, resin and porcelain, crowns last between five and 15 years with proper care. To prepare for a crown, the tooth is filed or shaved down to fit the replacement. This shouldn’t hurt, since your dentist will numb your mouth with local anaesthetic, but there may be some mild pain afterwards.
On the other hand, veneers are best for a purely cosmetic purpose. This option is best for those who need minor shape correction or to improve shape. Veneers are thin shells made from either composite or porcelain material and are bonded over the front of your existing tooth to change its colour, shape or size.
When maintained well, veneers technically last for 10 to 15 years, but like natural teeth, normal wear and tear can result in gradual degradation. This option doesn’t necessarily strengthen or repair your teeth, but it will improve the appearance of your smile.
Crowns vs. veneers cost comparison
All smile makeovers at Vogue Dental Studios begin with a consultation to personalise treatment options for you, and exact quotes can be established for you during this time.
As a rough marker, porcelain veneers cost around $2,500 to $3,500 per tooth depending on the complexity of the treatment. Bonded veneers cost approximately $850 per tooth. Vogue Dental offers Smile Makeover Packages of 6 to 12 porcelain veneers which you can enquire about directly.
Much of the cost of porcelain veneers is to cover the high quality materials used in manufacturing your porcelain veneers.
Each individual porcelain veneer is custom-made from your 3D scan in a shade chosen by you. This highly individualised experience cannot be automated to save costs. The placement procedure is also a time consuming and delicate process, with many people involved. We also allow as many revisions as needed to achieve the desired result.
We recommend contacting your health insurance company directly to determine whether you will be covered for any part of smile makeover treatments. Typically, cosmetic procedures are unlikely to be covered, but this does vary depending on the individual plan.
Dental crowns cost, on average, anywhere from $500 to $3,500 and above. This varies based on individual circumstances and will depend on how much your teeth need restoring, oral health condition, and which materials are used.
Some crowns may be covered in your dental insurance if they are for health reasons, for example if the tooth exhibits significant structural loss from decay or fracture.
Veneers vs. crown – which is right for me?
When it comes to veneers vs. crowns, the main reason for getting both is to upgrade your smile. With veneers, the procedure is mainly cosmetic and can help improve minor issues. On the other hand, crowns will be the best option to aid broken or decaying teeth.
If you wish to find out more about dental veneers, book a consultation at one of our clinics located in Sydney, Melbourne or the Gold Coast to start your smile journey.
Written By
Tasha
Chronic maker of bucket lists and makeover dreams. Currently ripping through another mystery novel and most likely multitasking.
