Veneers and crowns are not competing for methods for dental defects. Although they can be considered to treat many similar dental issues but they both play different vital functions in correcting tooth deformities. Sometimes patients have a dilemma, especially if the dental situation allows them to choose between crowns and veneers. In Dubai, both methods are popular for correcting smile issues. However, you should know the major aspects of both treatments. Read on to differentiate between veneers and crowns to make the right choice.
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What Is the Difference Between a Crown And a Veneer?
Both the crowns and the veneers are referred to cosmetic dentistry, which deals with a prosthesis. Veneer is designed to create aesthetics, while crowns and inlays are needed to restore the functionality of the tooth. In dentistry, a separate category is distinguished for the veneer that is called micro prosthesis and it reflects the most important visual difference between veneers and crowns. The crown completely replicates the entire visible part of the tooth, while veneers only cover the external side. As for the manufacturing materials, crowns have a lot of variability.
Similarities Between Veneers And Crowns
The veneers and crowns are united by the fact that both are manufactured in the dental laboratory, but this does not apply to direct composite veneers. The laboratory stage is not necessary for the application of the composite material. The process is carried out directly in the patient’s mouth, so composite veneer does not require casting and is considered a cosmetic restoration. Veneers and crowns can be made from ceramics and zirconia. However, zirconium veneers are rarely used because zirconium does not adhere well to teeth, requires significant turning, and looks unnatural.
Which Is Better – Veneers Or Crowns?
Talking about which is better (veneers or crowns) is like comparing a car and a motorcycle. Each of these methods has its advantages and indications for use. Here are some cases when the use of crowns and veneers are most preferred.
Indications for the Installation of Veneers
- Chips, cracks and carious lesions (tooth integrity should exceed 60 – 70%)
- Diastema and tremas
- Tetracycline teeth, dental dysplasia, fluorosis or enamel necrosis
- Slight curvature and orthodontic abnormalities
- Poor aesthetics after treatment
- Tooth discoloration
Indications for the Installation of Crowns
- Destruction of more than 60% of the tooth
- Inability or high risk of therapeutic treatment
- The need to restore teeth when the patient has bruxism
- The curvature of teeth that cannot be fixed with veneers
- Wide interdental spaces
- Implantation followed by crown placement
Indication
Crowns and veneers have different indications for installation, but there are situations in which the patient can choose between two products.
When to Install Crowns
- Tooth Decay: Crown is a reliable treatment when it comes to bringing back functionality after significant tooth decay. Therefore it is better to cover serious chips and damage with crowns. In addition, veneers are strictly not recommended for placement on depulped teeth.
- Sports Player: If you can’t imagine your life without hockey, basketball or martial arts, it’s better to choose more durable crowns for tooth restoration.
- Bruxism and the Habit of Chewing on Objects: In this case, installing veneers is very risky, but even crowns are not able to withstand such loads for a long time, so you need to get rid of bad habits or consult a doctor for the treatment of bruxism.
When to Install Veneers
With Minor Defects of the Front Teeth: Unlike crowns, veneers need minimal tooth preparation which is why the tooth retains its anatomical shape. In minor defects, it is preferable to hide the flaw with veneers.
To Hide Small Interdental Spaces and Curvatures: Veneers cope well with such problems and do not require deep preparation of teeth.
Is It Possible to Put Veneers on a Crown
This question is so popular among patients that we have to talk about it separately. The answer here is obvious. We cannot put veneers on a crown. These products are enough to create a beautiful smile which is why such a mix does not make sense at all. Crown repair is possible, although replacement is often recommended. A crown restoration is carried out both in the laboratory (the crown is removed before that) and directly in the patient’s mouth. The whole procedure resembles filling when the damaged area is filled with composite material. Veneers cannot be repaired. If the lining breaks down, it is replaced with a new one. The exception is direct composite veneers, which theoretically can be restored.
Price Difference Between Crowns and Veneers
Many patients at the first doctor’s appointment ask which treatment is more expensive. Usually, the price of dental crowns and veneers depends on the material, manufacturing technology and the level of the Dubai dental clinic in which the treatment will be carried out. For example, ceramic crowns and veneers will cost much more than ceramic-metal crowns and composite veneers. The average cost of the veneers is higher than that of crowns, but it cannot be said that the price difference is huge.