Do you ever feel insecure about the way your teeth look? Luckily, you don’t have to live this way forever! These days, there are multiple cosmetic dental services designed to improve your confidence in your pearly whites. Veneers and dental crowns are two of the most common of these treatments. They both come with their unique benefits, but how can you decide which one is right for your smile? Here’s a guide to help you choose between veneers or crowns in West Bloomfield.
What Are Veneers?
A veneer is an extremely thin shell made of dental porcelain that is bonded to the front-facing portion of a tooth. It essentially acts as a mask to conceal all of a tooth’s aesthetic issues in one fell swoop.
Pros of Veneers:
- Veneers are designed to look more cosmetically pleasing in the long run.
- Only about half a millimeter of enamel needs to be removed from a tooth to create room for a veneer.
- Veneers are ideal for correcting minor aesthetic concerns, such as stubborn stains, small yet noticeable gaps between teeth, and misshapen teeth.
Cons of Veneers:
- A veneer only covers the front surface of a tooth, leaving the rest more vulnerable to breakage and decay.
- Veneers are more suited for making cosmetic corrections, so they’re not very effective at repairing damaged teeth.
- Because veneers are usually considered a cosmetic procedure, they rarely qualify for dental insurance coverage.
What Are Dental Crowns?
Typically made of porcelain or ceramic, a dental crown is a hollowed-out “cap” that fits over a tooth. Unlike veneers, crowns cover every part of the tooth that has emerged past the gumline, restoring a tooth’s function as well as its appearance.
Pros of Dental Crowns:
- A crown shields the entire tooth from future decay and damage.
- Crowns can fix structural issues as well as aesthetic ones, so they’re often eligible for some level of insurance coverage.
- They’re more durable than veneers.
Cons of Dental Crowns:
- More enamel must be removed to prepare the tooth for a crown.
- Patients tend to experience more discomfort after the procedure.
Veneers or Crowns: Which One Is Better?
Crowns and veneers are both great options for transforming the appearance of compromised teeth. If you’re only interested in fixing the way your teeth look, then veneers are likely the better choice. However, if your smile has sustained some damage, then crowns may be more ideal. The easiest way to find out is to schedule a consultation with your cosmetic dentist in West Bloomfield and discuss the pros and cons of both options.
Whether you choose veneers or crowns as your method of improving your teeth, rest assured that you’ll be showing off a confident grin in no time!
About the Practice
Our dentists at LakeView Family Dental have extensive experience in a wide array of areas of dentistry, so we’re able to complete most dental treatments under one roof. We offer custom-made, high-quality veneers, and we can even offer same-day dental crowns with CEREC technology. If you need help deciding whether veneers or crowns in West Bloomfield are right for your smile, contact us at 248-363-3304.