Which is Better, Crowns or Veneers?

If you’re thinking about improving your smile, you may be wondering if crowns or veneers are the best choice. Both can work wonders for your teeth, but they’re actually designed for different purposes.

So let’s go over the basics of crowns and veneers to help you make the right choice for your smile.

Key Takeaways: –

• What are veneers and crowns?
• When veneers might be the best choice
• When crowns are the better option
• Key differences between veneers and crowns
• Which one should you choose?

What are veneers and crowns?

Before we jump into which option might be better, let’s quickly go over what veneers and crowns actually are.

Veneers are thin, custom-made shells, usually made from porcelain or composite resin. They’re bonded to the front of your teeth to fix cosmetic issues like discolouration, small chips, or gaps. Veneers work well for people who want to improve the look of their natural teeth without making big changes to the overall tooth structure.

Crowns, on the other hand, cover the entire tooth like a cap. They’re usually made from porcelain, ceramic, or sometimes metal, and they’re used for teeth that need more strength. Crowns work well for damaged teeth, as they protect what’s left of the natural tooth while restoring its shape and function.

When veneers might be the best choice

Veneers are a great option if you want to improve the look of healthy teeth. Here’s why you might go for veneers:

A fast route to a beautiful smile

Veneers can give your smile a makeover without extensive dental work. They’re popular for covering up stained, chipped, or slightly crooked teeth, as well as for closing small gaps.

Not too invasive

Getting veneers is usually less invasive than getting crowns. Only a small amount of enamel from the front of the tooth is removed to make space for the veneer. This means most of your natural tooth stays intact.

Plenty of options

Veneers come in two main types: porcelain veneers and composite veneers. Porcelain veneers are more durable and look natural, while composite veneers are more affordable but may need replacing sooner. With good care, porcelain veneers can last around 10-15 years, while composite veneers might need replacing in less time.

When crowns are the better option

Crowns are the way to go when a tooth needs more support. If you have a damaged or decayed tooth that’s weak, a crown is for you.

Protects damaged teeth

Crowns are often recommended for broken or decayed teeth. A crown covers the entire tooth, adding strength and protecting it, so you can chew, bite, and speak confidently.

Durable and long-lasting

Crowns are made to last and can handle the wear and tear of daily use, especially in areas like the molars, where durability is key. Crowns made from porcelain or ceramic can blend in with your other teeth and last 10-20 years with good care.

Material choices

Crowns come in different materials, including porcelain crowns, ceramic crowns, and metal crowns. Porcelain and ceramic are good for a natural look, while metal crowns are strong and work well for back teeth where they’re less visible.

Key differences between veneers and crowns

While both veneers and crowns can improve your smile, here are some key differences:

• Coverage: Veneers only cover the front of the tooth, while crowns cover the entire tooth. This makes crowns better for teeth that need extra support.
• Purpose: Veneers are mainly for cosmetic changes, like improving the look of your teeth. Crowns are both cosmetic and functional, giving strength to teeth that are damaged or weak.
• Preparation: Veneers often don’t need any removal of tooth enamel. Crowns require more reshaping to fit the cap securely over the entire tooth.
• Lifespan and maintenance: Both can last a long time, but crowns are generally longer-lasting (up to 20 years), especially for teeth that need extra protection.

Which one should you choose?

The best choice depends on your specific needs and goals. Here are some points to help you decide:

• If your teeth are healthy but need a boost, Veneers could be right for you. They’re a simple way to improve your smile without major changes to your teeth.
• If your tooth is damaged, weak, or has a root canal, a crown may be the better choice. Crowns provide more protection, which is sorely needed if the tooth is already fragile.
• Budget and longevity: Veneers are often more affordable upfront, especially composite veneers, but they may need to be replaced sooner. Crowns cost more initially, but they’re a longer-term investment.

Book a free consultation and find your perfect treatment

Choosing between veneers and crowns is a big decision, so how about some help? At Aesthetique Dental in Leeds, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Book a free consultation with us, and we’ll help you weigh up both options to find the dental treatment that best fits your goals and needs.

To make achieving your dream smile even easier, we offer a range of flexible payment plans, including 0% finance options. That way, you can get the results you want without stretching your budget. Ready to get started? Schedule your free consultation today, and let’s make your perfect smile a reality!