When you have a chipped tooth, you probably want it taken care of ASAP. Veneers and crowns are both two common options to repair a chipped tooth. But which one is right for you? Most people think that veneers and crowns are the same treatment, but that’s a common misconception. The main difference is that a veneer only covers the front of your tooth, and a crown covers the entire tooth.
So, on the topic of dental restoration, which treatment is right for you? Well, this answer depends on several factors, such as the condition of your natural tooth, your dental history, and how much you’re willing to spend on your mouth.
If you have a chipped tooth, it’s important that you receive the right treatment so you can avoid paying more on dental work down the road.
Veneers or Crowns: Which One Do I Choose?
At LeCroy, we know the importance of a good smile, and we do our best work to make sure your smile always looks it best! We can help answer your questions, and guide you through this process during a consultation in our office. But the following information can help you consider the treatment that works best for your budget, as well as your situation.
Basic Information
Let’s start by defining what a veneer is and what a crown is, as well as the oral situations that you would need one or the other for.
Veneers
Veneers are thin pieces of porcelain that are molded to fit to your teeth. They attach to the front of the tooth, with the goal of improving its appearance. Sometimes, veneers are made of resin or other composite materials.
Crowns
Compared to veneers which only cover a portion of the tooth, crowns cover most of the tooth. Crowns are used to improve a tooth’s structure, as well as its appearance.
Both veneers and crowns are custom-made and matched with the rest of your teeth so that they blend in seamlessly with the rest of your smile.
Veneers are generally used for small chips and other cosmetic issues that do not impact a tooth’s structure. Crowns, on the other hand, are most commonly used for more severe chips and breaks that can’t be covered with a smaller veneer.
With all of this being said, there are multiple factors that may influence your decision to go one route or the other.
Durability
Probably one of the most asked questions we receive is: How durable are veneers and crowns? You want to make sure that you are choosing the right solution that will work long-term, so you don’t find yourself back in the dentist’s chair receiving another dental treatment.
Typically, veneers last 7-15 years before they need to be replaced, while crowns usually last 10-15 years. However, crowns are made of more durable material so they do tend to last a little longer than veneers in general.
Despite this, veneers are easier to replace due to their placement––they don’t cover your entire tooth. A crown is more permanent and more involved to replace whenever that time comes.
As far as durability goes, veneers are also more subject to snapping because they are thinner and more delicate. If you bite your nails often, grind your teeth, or chew ice, we do not recommend getting veneers.
Price
We know that sometimes having nice teeth comes with a hefty price tag. As dental professionals, we believe that nice teeth are worth the investment.
The price for crowns and veneers are actually pretty similar, with crowns ranging from $800 to $1,000 and veneers ranging from $1,000 to $1,300.
Your dental insurance provider may help guide your choice depending on what is or is not covered. Typically, veneers are considered a cosmetic procedure and aren’t usually eligible for insurance coverage. Crowns are considered a non-cosmetic dental expense, but may not be fully covered.
We believe an investment in your teeth is one of the best investments you can make. If you’d like to set up an appointment for a crown or veneers, contact LeCroy Dental today.