Dental veneers are custom-made thin shells that fit over the surface of your teeth. Veneers are most often done for cosmetic reasons — meaning that veneers are not chosen as a necessary treatment to repair damage to the tooth. Instead, veneers are utilized in dentistry for aesthetic purposes; veneers can restore shape, color, length and the alignment of your teeth. Dental veneers are a great option for patients who want to upgrade the appearance of their smile.
Are veneers the same as crowns?
If you’ve considered getting veneers for a smile makeover, then you’ve likely heard of crowns as another treatment option. Crowns cover the entire tooth to add strength and protection. While crowns are most often used to protect a tooth from tooth decay, they can also serve an aesthetic purpose. Crowns can conceal large cracks and other imperfections while matching or improving the color, shape and size of your surrounding teeth similar to that of veneers.
The only true difference between veneers and crowns is what treatment option is best suited for you. If you are looking for a treatment option to correct any aesthetic concerns, veneers are best. If you are in search of a treatment option to additionally strengthen your tooth or repair damage — crowns will be preferred.
Dentists prefer to give patients veneers over crowns to treat cosmetic issues as crowns are much thicker and more permanent than veneers. Additionally, there is a cost difference between the two as well. While there are a variety of different materials that crowns and veneers can be made of, generally speaking one dental crown costs between $1000 and $3500 while one dental veneer is typically between $925 and $2500 per tooth. This difference in how crowns and veneers are used for treatment also impacts your insurance coverage. As veneers, which mainly serve an aesthetic purpose, are not usually covered by insurance, while dental crowns most often are.
What is the placement process?
The placement of veneers can vary depending on the type of material that is used. Regardless of the material, however, teeth are most often prepped for veneers through a series of steps.
After your initial consultation for veneers, your dentist will require that you receive an in-depth dental examination with an X-ray. This will allow your dentist to ensure that you are a good candidate for veneers. If any underlying issues are found during this process, treatment will be necessary before your veneers are placed.
After this, your teeth will be thoroughly cleaned and a small amount of your enamel will be shaved down. This will allow for the veneer to fit properly and look as natural as possible. Just after your teeth are prepped, impressions will be taken and sent to a dental lab where your veneers will be made. Within a few weeks, or once your veneers have been made and sent back to your dental office, you’ll be called back to have your veneers placed.
Finally, your temporary veneers will be removed and your customized veneers will be adhered to your teeth. Your dentist will always ensure that your veneers are the perfect fit after having them placed. And if necessary, your veneers may be sent back to the lab to make adjustments.
What material is best?