You may be debating whether you should get a dental crown or a veneer if you are missing part of a tooth, have a misshapen tooth, or it has a chip, crack, or extensive staining. At Cherry Creek Family Dentistry, we will help you evaluate the pros and cons of each type of restoration as it relates to your specific situation. We understand that cost is a factor as well and will provide you with an estimate for each service to help you in reaching a decision.
When a Dental Crown is the Best Choice
Our dentists will likely recommend a dental crown when part of your gums or a tooth appear badly worn. A veneer wouldn’t work in this situation because it is larger than a crown and could potentially cause additional damage to your tooth or gums. What we look for when recommended a crown over a veneer is significant erosion of the lingual gum surface.
Another time when installing a crown instead of a veneer is the ideal option is when a patient has a condition known as bruxism. This refers to excessive teeth grinding and happens due to rubbing the teeth of the upper and lower jaws together. Long-term bruxism causes a loss of tooth enamel, a substance needed to support a veneer. A veneer would simply not hold on a tooth that didn’t have enough enamel to support it.
A dental crown is often placed out of necessity, such as when you fractured a tooth or a tooth has too much decay for us to save by filling it. Because of this, many dental insurance companies will cover at least a portion of the cost for you to receive a crown.
What You Should Know About Dental Veneers
In most cases, a veneer is placed primarily for cosmetic reasons. For example, you could have a larger than normal gap between your two front teeth that makes you feel reluctant to smile. Unlike crowns that normally repair an unhealthy tooth, a tooth receiving a veneer should be in good overall health. Dental insurance providers usually deny coverage for a veneer if it’s purely for aesthetic improvement. However, you should check with your provider to see if your situation qualifies for an exception.
A veneer is a thin piece of tooth-colored ceramic that attaches to the front of a tooth with the aid of special dental cement. After placing the veneer, your dentist shines a curing light on it to complete the hardening process. It’s ideal for the top and bottom non-molar teeth that face outwards when you smile. The veneer does not cover the chewing surface in this case, which is important for it to remain durable over time.
If you have additional questions or would like to schedule a consultation to learn more about each procedure, please contact Cherry Creek Family Dentistry for assistance.