Veneers vs. Crowns: Which One Is Right for You?

What are veneers and crowns?

Both crowns and veneers are forms of dental restoration. They work by adding a covering to an existing tooth to improve its appearance or function. The main difference between a veneer and a crown is how much of the original tooth is removed, how thick the material covering the tooth is, and how much of the tooth is covered. Both crowns and veneers are effective in improving the aesthetic appearance of teeth.

A veneer is usually made of wafer-thin porcelain and is bonded to the front of a tooth. The porcelain is color-matched to your natural teeth. Veneers are strong but brittle,  sharp or repeated impact can dislodge or crack them.

A crown encases the entire tooth. It can be made of metal, porcelain or a combination of both. It is usually around double the thickness of a veneer, making it more durable and resistant to cracking than a veneer.

Dental restoration procedures are costly, so it’s important to know which one may be best for you. Although the procedures are different, both have good success rates.

Here’s a look at the differences between veneers and crowns, the pros and cons of each, and how they’re used.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Deepdene call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

What’s the difference between a veneer and a crown?

A veneer is a very thin layer of porcelain or other materials, about 1 millimeter (mm) in thickness, that’s bonded to the front of your existing tooth.

A crown is about 2 mm in thickness and covers the whole tooth. It can be all porcelain, porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM), or an all-metal alloy.

Whether a veneer or a crown is right for you will depend on the condition of your teeth and what you’re trying to fix. Common conditions for restoration are:

• discolored teeth
• chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
• decayed or weakened teeth
• crooked teeth

Both crowns and veneers are color matched to your teeth, except for all-metal crowns.

What is a veneer and what are the advantages of veneers?

A veneer covers only the front surface of your tooth. They’re not as invasive as crowns, because the preparation leaves more of your original tooth intact.

About half a millimeter of the enamel on the front of the tooth is ground down to roughen the surface for bonding the veneer. Some newer types of veneers don’t need as much grinding of the tooth surface. You may need a local anesthetic for this, because the grinding may be painful.

For a veneer to work properly, your tooth has to have enough enamel on it for a veneer to bond to it.

Veneers make teeth look natural and healthy. Because they are very thin and are held in place by a special, strong adhesive, very little preparation of the tooth is needed. Some types of veneers don't need any preparation at all.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Hawthorn call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

How are teeth prepared for a veneer?

Some of the shiny, outer enamel surface of the tooth may be removed, to make sure that the veneer can be bonded permanently in place later. The amount of enamel removed is tiny and will be the same as the thickness of the veneer to be fitted, so that the tooth stays the same size.

A local anaesthetic (injection) may be used to make sure that there is no discomfort, but often this is not needed. Once the tooth has been prepared, the dental team will take an ‘impression' (mould). This will be given to the dental technician, along with any other information needed to make the veneer.

The colour of the surrounding teeth is matched on a shade guide to make sure that the veneer will look entirely natural.

How long will it take?

A veneer takes at least two visits. The first is to prepare the tooth and match the shade, and the second is to fit it. Before bonding it in place, your dentist will show you the veneer on your tooth to make sure you are happy with it. Bonding a veneer in place is done with a special adhesive, which holds it firmly on the tooth.

Will I need a temporary veneer between visits?

Because the preparation of the tooth is so slight you will probably not need a temporary veneer. The tooth will look very much the same after preparation, but will feel slightly less smooth.

What happens after the veneer is fitted?

Only minor adjustments can be made to the veneer after it is fitted. It is usually best to wait a little while to get used to it before any changes are made. Your Tower Dental dentist will probably want to check and polish it a week or so after it is fitted, and make sure that you are happy with it.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Camberwell call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

How much will it cost?

The costs for this treatment can vary so it is important to discuss charges and treatment options with your dentist before starting treatment.

How long will a veneer last?

Veneers should last for many years; but they can chip or break, just like your own teeth can. Your Tower Dental dentist will tell you how long each veneer should last. Small chips can be repaired, or a new veneer fitted if necessary.

What about alternatives?

A natural-coloured filling material can be used for minor repairs to front teeth. This is excellent when the tooth can support a filling, but may not work so well for broken tooth corners. There will always be a join between the tooth and the filling material.

Dental Crown Procedure

The procedure for installing a dental crown in most cases takes three separate visits to the dentist. The dentist will examine the tooth on the first appointment. This is to determine whether it can support a crown. This visit normally entails taking x-rays. If there is any form of extensive decay or risk of infection to the tooth, the dentists will have to treat it first before commencing with dental crown.

During the second appointment this is when the tooth and the gum tissue is anesthetized before the crown making process begins. The tooth is then filed down mostly along the chewing surface so that the crown can fit.

The crown must match the neighbouring teeth. So it will be returned back to the dentists after two or three weeks for matching. Your tooth will be fitted with a temporary crown during the first visit to protect it before a permanent one is fixed.

After the tooth has been filled to the proper shape, the dentist will take an impression of it and the surrounding. The impression is sent to a dental lab so that the permanent crown can be created. This protects the tooth until the final crown is ready for permanent placement.

A patient will go for the third and final visit once the permanent crown has been designed. The temporary crown will be removed on the second visit. The dentist will position and fasten this new crown in position with a special adhesive.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Surrey Hills call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

 

Dental Crowns Materials

There are four common materials dentists use to make dental crowns. They include: all ceramic (porcelain-based) porcelain fused to metal, gold alloys and base metal alloys.

All Ceramic Crowns

These are porcelain-based filling materials normally recommended for front teeth since the colour blends with the rest of the natural teeth. Before the porcelain is attached to the tooth, the dentist may have to remove more tooth structure; however, the material is resistant to wear since it is brittle under heavy biting.

Porcelain Fused to Metal Crown

This material is connected to the outside of a metal structure to give strength to the tooth and provide a good seal to prevent recurrent decay and leakage. When fused to metal, porcelain provides a stronger restoration than porcelain would do if it was alone. Although the dentist will have to remove a durable structure of your tooth, this material is very strong and durable.

All Porcelain Crowns

These ones are mostly recommended by dentists due to the fact that they are aesthetically pleasing. It is much easier to fabricate an all-porcelain crown to match the colour of the surrounding teeth. However, it may not be easy for a dentist to achieve a good fit along the gum line since the material is very thick and more of the natural tooth has to be filed.

Stainless Steel Crowns

This crown is mostly used temporarily as a permanent one is being made. It is pre-made to be placed in one appointment. Although they may not have the best cosmetic appearance, they are very durable.

Gold Alloys Crowns

Crown made from gold alloys normally comprise of gold, copper and other metals. They provide a strong crown for the tooth structure. It is resistant to fracture and wear. It also does not wear away the teeth it covers. Gold alloys crowns are highly bio-compatible with the gum tissue.

Solid Zirconia

These material closely resembles the texture and appearance of a natural tooth. They are stronger than ceramic and porcelain crowns. They are also popular than most materials since they integrate with the gum and other teeth better.

Base Metal Alloys Crowns

They contain non-noble metals that and as a result are very difficult to corrode provide great strength to the crown and tooth. As the metal alloys are very durable the dentist will only requires shaving a small amount from the natural teeth to prepare the tooth using base metal alloys. Base metal alloys crowns are also very gentle to opposing teeth and will not damage when a patients bites or grinds their teeth is the metal is very soft.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Kew call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

Frequently Asked Questions - Dental Crowns

Does a Crowned Tooth Require Special Care?

Your crown may not need a special care, just the normal care you give to your ‘real’ tooth. It is however important to understand that the underlying tooth is not protected by the crown from decay and gum disease. This is why you must stick to a good oral hygiene practice.

Is it Painful to Get a Crown?

Patients will only need a local aesthetic to remain comfortable during the crowning process. There are mild toothaches and sensitivity but with painkillers, patient will be fine. But in case the pain is severe and prolonged, make sure you see a dentist.

Why is it called a Crown?

They are called so because they fit over the top of your remaining tooth. They are also referred to as dental caps.

Are  Crowns Thicker Than Normal Teeth?

The materials used to make the crown determine how thick the crown will be. Normally, the thickness ranges from 0.5-2 millimetres on the sides and around 1.5 millimetres on the chewing surface. As compared to porcelain crowns, metal crowns are thinner.

Is There a Difference Between the Crown and a Real Tooth?

There is normally a difference when you compare your metal crown to your teeth. However, tooth colour crowns can be made indistinguishable from your existing teeth.

Can a Dental Crown be Whitened?

No. Unlike the real teeth, materials that make the crown don’t respond to whitening treatments. If you decide to whiten the natural enamel, the crown will be different from the rest of the teeth. As part of your smile makeover, you can whiten your teeth before having a dental crown or replace your crown with a lighter one.

What are the Alternatives to Dental Crown?

A dental bridge can replace missing tooth. For tooth decay, fillings, onlays and inlays might work. Dental bonding can also restore chipped or cracked teeth instead of a crown. Porcelain veneers or a combination of orthodontia and teeth whitening can help you achieve a purely cosmetic treatment.

Can I Undergo Orthodontics if I Have a Crown?

You can correct crookedness even if you already have a dental crown. However, the traditional braces may not rectify such a situation if the crown are made of metal or porcelain. This is why clear plastic aligned is recommended. You may have to wait until your treatment is over if you are considering replacing your crown at the time of orthodontics.

How Long Will a Dental Crown Last?

Since dental crowns aren’t the natural teeth, they will not last forever. However, they can last a long time if good care is given to them. Research shows that more than 90% of crowns will be intact for more than five years before any other major treatment is done to them. However, 50 to 80% of crowns will last between 15 and 20 years.

Patients should understand that just like the normal tooth, crowns will last as long as good care is adhered to. Your Tower Dental dentist will tell you of the dental hygiene practices to care for your dental crowns and your entire mouth in general.

How Should I Care for my Temporary Dental Crown?

The temporary dental crowns are just that—temporary crowns until a permanent crown is ready. Your dentist will normally ask you to take precautions with a temporary crown.

These include:

• Avoid chewy and sticky foods like caramel and chewing gum. Such have the potential of grabbing and eventually pulling off the crown.
• Minimize use of the side of your mouth where the temporary crown has been fixed. Use the other side of the mouth.
• Hard foods such as raw vegetables can dislodge or break the crown so such should be avoided.

What Problems Could Develop with a Dental Crown?

Since this is not your natural tooth, you may feel some discomfort and sensitivity. Immediately after the procedure, you may feel some sensitivity on your newly crowned tooth since the anesthesia will start wearing off. In case the tooth that was crowned still has a nerve, patients are bound to experience cold or heat sensitivity.

Our Tower Dental dentist will recommend that you brush your teeth with a toothpaste designed for such teeth. The sensitivity or pain that occurs when you bite down means the crown is too high on your tooth. This is a problem that can be fixed when you call your dentist.

Other problems that could develop include chipped crown especially those made of all porcelain. A loose crown can also be a problem especially when the cement washes out from under your crown. In worst cases, the crown may fall off due to improper fit or lack of cement.

You have many choices when it comes to crowns. There’s no such thing as one crown fits all, but some types may appeal to you more than others.

Ultimately, it’ll likely boil down to your specific needs. Talk with your dentist at Tower Dental in Balwyn today about crowns and veneers today.

 

Crowns are used for teeth which need to be strengthened - either because they have broken, have been weakened by a very large filling, or have had  root canal treatment.

A crown covers the entire tooth. With a crown, more of the tooth needs to be filed or ground down to prepare for the crown placement.

Our clinic is conveniently located near Hawthorn, if you’re looking for veneers or crowns please contact Tower Dental today.

If you have tooth decay, your dentist will remove the decayed part of the tooth before making the crown. In this case, your tooth may need to be built up to support the crown.

Your tooth may also need to be built up if it’s damaged. You may have a local anesthetic for this procedure.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Balwyn call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

What’s involved with getting a crown?

• Your dentist will produce an impression of your tooth by digitally scanning it or by making a mold. The image or mold will be sent out to a lab for fabrication of the crown.
• The dentist may place a temporary crown on your ground-down tooth so that you can use your tooth while the permanent crown is being made.
• When the permanent crown is ready, the dentist will remove the temporary crown. They’ll then place the permanent crown on your tooth and will adjust it so that it fits correctly and your bite is right. Then they’ll cement the new crown into place.
• Teeth with crowns may have some movement, which can change your bite. If this happens, you’ll need to have the crown adjusted.

How do you know which one is right for you?

If your tooth has a large filling, a root canal, or is very worn or cracked, a crown is likely the best option.

If your tooth is basically intact and the restoration is for cosmetic purposes, a veneer may be the best option. Veneers can also be used for minor shape corrections.

How much do they cost?

Veneers and crowns can be costly. Individual costs vary, depending on the size of your tooth, where it is in your mouth, and the average prices in your area.

We see patients from Camberwell and Surrey Hills for veneers and crowns, please feel free to call us on  (03) 9817 7144 to schedule an appointment today.

Veneers

According to the Australian Cosmetic Dentistry organization, the cost for a veneer can range between $925 to $2,500 per tooth.

Porcelain veneers are more expensive than composite veneers, but they last longer, according to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry. The price of composite veneers ranges from $250 to $1,500 per tooth.

Crowns

The cost of a crown varies by the material used to make the crown, the amount of prep work needed, and the size of the tooth.

According to the Consumer Guide to Dentistry, crowns can range in price from $1,000 to $3,500 per tooth. This figure doesn’t include other procedures such as core buildup or root canals that might be needed before the crown is made.

Porcelain and ceramic crowns tend to be slightly more expensive than all-metal crowns.

Ways to save

We offer payment plans, making both treatments very affordable. If you live near Kew or Deepdene, why not make an appointment to see us, we’ll be more than happy to discuss veneer and crown treatment options with you.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers in Mont Albert call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today.

Pros and cons of veneers and crowns

Veneer pros

• They may be more aesthetically pleasing than crowns in the long run, because they don’t show a gum margin after several years, as crowns sometimes do.
• Some veneers don’t require a lot of trimming, so more of your healthy natural tooth remains.
• Teeth with veneers have minimal movement.

Veneer cons

• Veneers leave more areas of your tooth exposed to new decay.
• Composite veneers cost less, but may only last 5–7 years. Other materials last longer, but may have to be replaced.
• Veneers aren’t reversible.
• Veneers may not be covered by dental insurance.

Crown pros

• All of the tooth is covered, so your tooth is more protected from decay.
• Porcelain crowns look and feel just like your natural teeth.
• Crowns are relatively permanent and don’t have to be removed for cleaning as dentures do.
• Dental insurance may cover a portion of the cost of a crown.

Crown cons

• More of your natural tooth is removed to make room for the crown.
• Your crowned tooth may be more sensitive to heat and cold initially and you may experience gum pain. If sensitivity increases, schedule a follow-up visit.
• Porcelain is fragile and can be damaged over time.
• Porcelain fused to a metal alloy (PFM) crown shows a thin dark line between your natural tooth and the crown.

Questions to ask your dentist

You’ll want to know at the outset how much your crown or veneer is going to cost, and how much, if anything, your insurance will pay toward the cost. You’ll also want to know about your dentist’s experience with both procedures.

Other questions for your dentist depend on your particular needs, but some questions you may want to ask include the following:

• Are there other options to consider, such as dentures or implants?
• How long do you expect my veneer or crown material to last?
• Will the initial cost cover subsequent visits if the crown fit isn’t right?
• Will I need to wear a mouth guard?
• Do you recommend any special care for the veneer or crown?

The bottom line

Both veneers and crowns can improve your smile and the function of your teeth. Both are costly procedures, especially when more than one tooth is involved.

Veneers are used when you want cosmetic improvement, like covering crooked or chipped teeth, especially your front teeth.

Crowns are used when the tooth has a lot of decay or is broken or needs a root canal. Crowns may also be more appropriate when you need to brace adjoining teeth.

Getting regular dental checkups and practicing good dental hygiene are vital for maintaining your veneer or crown and the rest of your teeth.

For Dental crowns or Dental veneers please call Tower Dental (03) 9817 7144 today to schedule an appointment today.