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If you want to improve the appearance of your smile, there are a number of ways your dentist can help.
Dental crowns and veneers are restoration procedures that can improve the look and function of your teeth. But it’s important to know what’s involved in each in order to make the right decision. We’ll break down the difference between the two, explain how they work, how much they cost and their unique pros and cons.
It can be easy to get crowns and veneers confused given that both are restorative techniques used to correct problems with teeth. Veneers cover the front of the tooth while crowns shield the whole tooth, according to The Journal of The American Dental Association. The major difference is the issues they fix.
A crown is a cap that sits on top of an existing tooth and surrounds all of its surfaces. It’s used to repair structural issues with a tooth, explains Samantha Rawdin, D.M.D., a New York-based prosthodontist. “A crown is a dental restoration that covers most or all of the tooth surface that is exposed in the mouth.” Crowns are typically used “when a large portion of the tooth is missing or broken down due to decay, trauma or developmental defects,” she says. “Crowns can also be used to restore a bite that has collapsed.”
Dental veneers, on the other hand, are thin, tooth-like shells, made of porcelain or resin composite materials, designed to cover the front surface of the tooth. They’re used to improve the appearance of a patient’s smile, correcting issues like discoloration, gaps, cracks or minor misalignments, according to Dr. Rawdin.
“A veneer typically covers just the front surface of the tooth, serving to improve the tooth’s appearance, and is not used to correct major issues like a broken tooth or severe tooth decay,” adds Dr. Rawdin. Clear, Affordable and Effective Specialized dental care experts ready to help you with your dental issues. Reach out to SmileDirectClub for your custom treatment plan. Monthly offers also available. Learn More
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Whether you’re heading to the dentist for crowns or veneers, plan to make a few appointments to complete the process. Both procedures involve multiple steps, says Dr. Rawdin, and often two or even three appointments may be necessary, depending on the particular practice you’re going to.
Here are the typical steps in each:
The steps for fabricating a crown are very similar to that of veneers, notes Dr. Rawdin. Here’s what to expect:
It can often take a few appointments to complete the process of adhering veneers. Dr. Rawdin breaks down the process below:
“In a traditional workflow, two visits is normal,” says Dr. Rawdin, “with the understanding that if the restorations do not meet the aesthetic needs of the doctor or patient, they will need to be sent back to the laboratory and the patient will require another appointment.”
Some practices are able to complete the process of adhering veneers in two appointments, while others may require three, adds Dr. Rawdin.
Like any procedure, both crowns and veneers have their advantages and drawbacks. While the end result of both procedures is restored teeth, each has advantages and downsides.
A crown may be a great solution for certain dental issues, such as large, deep cavities or other situations where a root canal is necessary. Crowns can last many years if placed on a healthy tooth and properly made and maintained, says Dr. Rawdin. “However, the drawbacks are that a crown is relatively invasive for the tooth since it requires removing more tooth structure than a veneer, and they do require maintenance. The tooth structure under crowns can still develop cavities and they do need to be replaced, on average, every five to 10 years,though they can last much longer if properly made and taken care of.” ProsCons Partially covered by dental insuranceCan be very pricey without insurance Surrounds tooth to help prevent decayCan require replacement over time Looks, acts and feels like a natural toothOften a dark line is visible at the gumline
Veneers can make your smile look very attractive, with evenly sized teeth that are bright and well-shaped. As such, the main benefit of veneers is cosmetic, notes Dr. Rawdin. “On the flip side, they do require maintenance and regular checkups with your dentist. The average lifespan of veneers is about 10 years, says Dr. Rawdin, but they can last much longer with good home care.” ProsCons Can significantly improve the look of your smileCan be very expensive Procedure is less painful than a crownNot covered by dental insurance Lots of options for color, shape, customizationCan require replacement over time
Both crowns and veneers can be pricey. One major difference between the two procedures is that at least part of the expense of a crown is typically covered by dental insurance.
Like most dental procedures, the cost of veneers can vary a bit based on factors like the brand of veneers your dentist uses, the cost of living in the area and the dentist’s expertise. Since veneers are considered strictly cosmetic in nature, they may not be covered by insurance, and you’ll have to shoulder the cost on your own, says Dr. Rawdin.
A crown can cost between $1,000 and $4,000 per tooth, according to Dr. Rawdin. “This expense can vary by practice, geographical location and also the location of the tooth. Front teeth often require slightly more work since it’s important to get the appearance just right.”
Veneers can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per tooth depending on where the practice is located, what the associated laboratory costs will be and can be changed at the discretion of the dentist depending on the amount of work that will be required, adds Dr. Rawdin.
While this cost isn’t always covered by dental insurance, some dental practices offer payment plans that can help reduce the financial burden of the procedure.
Wondering which procedure is right for you? Your dentist is a great resource to help you make the final decision. Here’s a handy comparison chart that can help you compare dental crowns and veneers side-by-side. CrownVeneers IndicationStructural issues with a toothImprove appearance of a tooth Cost$1,000 to $4,000 per tooth$1,500 to $5,000 per tooth BenefitsCan extend the life of at-risk teethCan improve appearance of a smile DrawbacksMore invasivePatient must have solid gum/tooth foundation in order to be a good candidate
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Christin Perry is a freelance writer with a passion for all topics related to health and family. She has been working as a writer for seven years now, and her work has appeared in Parents, The Bump, VeryWell Family, Parade and Teen Vogue. When she's not writing, Christin enjoys spending time with her husband and four kids, walking, baking and reading. And of course, shopping.
Dr. Holli Careswell is a board-certified general and cosmetic dentist with a private practice in Lee’s Summit, Missouri. She has taken hundreds of hours of continuing education, focusing on cosmetic dentistry, implant dentistry and facial esthetic procedures. She enjoys all aspects of general dentistry and has a special interest in cosmetic dentistry. Dr. Careswell was recently featured on the Emmy award winning Netflix original series Queer Eye, and has been recognized as one of Kansas City’s Top Dentists by the Kansas City 435 magazine for the past five years. She is known for her beautiful cosmetic dentistry and has patients regularly travel across the U.S. to see her for their dental work. Dr. Careswell is married to Vinny and together they have two wonderful boys, Camden and Boston, and two mini-goldendoodles. She enjoys watching her boys’ sporting events, boating, skiing, photography and working out.