Key Takeaways
- A veneer covers the front portion of a tooth, while a crown covers the whole tooth.
- Veneers can help with stains, minor chips, and small gaps.
- Crowns can add strength to teeth that are cracked, worn, or treated with a root canal.
- Good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups help both options last.
- Our team at Springbank Dental Centre can build a plan that fits your individual needs.
Maybe you have a chipped tooth or a stain that you notice every time you look into a mirror. In your research on possible options to restore your confidence in your smile, you run into two options: veneers and crowns. At Springbank Dental Centre, we’re here to help you understand the differences between these choices and which may be right for you.
A veneer covers only the front of a tooth for looks, while a crown wraps around the whole tooth to add strength and protection. Both can be colour-matched to blend in with the teeth beside them, so you can feel confident in your smile.
How Veneers Work & Who They Suit
What Veneers Fix
Veneers are thin porcelain shells that are applied to the front of your teeth. They work well when your teeth are healthy, but you want to change how they look. This could include aesthetic concerns like discolouration or stains that regular whitening can’t lift, minor chips or small gaps between teeth, or slightly uneven front teeth.
How Veneers Are Applied
You may have heard that getting veneers is a permanent process, and that’s true. The porcelain shells themselves will need replacement, but the process of getting veneers involves the dentist smoothing a very thin layer of enamel so that the veneers sit correctly. Because a small amount of enamel is removed, the process is generally considered irreversible, and the tooth will usually require a veneer or another restoration going forward.
The application follows a few simple steps:
- Our dentist smooths a thin layer of enamel so the veneer sits flat.
- An impression is taken, then a custom shell is made to fit your tooth.
- The veneer is bonded with cement and hardened with a special light.
How Crowns Work & When You Need One
What Crowns Fix
A crown does more than change how a tooth looks. It covers the whole tooth like a cap, protecting and restoring a tooth that has been weakened or damaged. A crown may be recommended for cracked, broken, or worn teeth. Crowns are also commonly recommended after root canal treatment because teeth that have lost a significant amount of structure are more vulnerable to fracture.
The Process of Getting a Crown
Traditional crowns often require more than one appointment, but with CEREC technology, we’re pleased to offer same-day crowns for our patients. Traditional crowns are typically built in a separate lab, meaning you may need to wear a temporary crown for a few weeks while it is made.
Instead, CEREC uses digital technology to design, mill, and place a custom ceramic crown all in one visit.
Cost, Care & How Long They Last
We understand that money is a real consideration, especially when you’re looking after a whole family. Insurance may help cover crowns because they treat damage, but veneers are usually seen as cosmetic and may not be covered. It’s important to check your specific dental coverage, because individual plans and providers vary.
The good news is that caring for both crowns and veneers is easy and can fit into what you already do. Brush twice a day, floss around each tooth, and keep coming to your regular dental visits so our team can spot small issues early.
If you grind your teeth at night, a nightguard can help protect your veneers or crowns from extra wear. Small habits like this can help your results last for years.
How to Pick the Right Option for You
The right option depends on your oral health, smile goals, and your dentist’s recommendations. That’s why booking an appointment is such an important part of this journey.
Combine Both for a Smile Makeover
You don’t always have to choose just one. In some cases, a combination of the two might be a good choice. This can be helpful in situations where you have cosmetic concerns in the front, but damaged molars in the back that deal with more force.
Our team can build a personalized plan that treats each tooth based on what it needs.
Questions to Ask
It can be helpful to bring a few questions to your next visit so you leave feeling clear about your choices. A short conversation can help you feel informed and confident about the whole process.
That might include questions like:
- Which option fits my teeth and my goals?
- What daily care keeps the results lasting?
- Do I have any oral health concerns to be taken care of first?
- What does my insurance cover?
Book Your Consultation
Your smile deserves care, compassion, and a plan made for you. Our team at Springbank Dental Centre can walk you through veneers, crowns, or a mix of both, so you feel comfortable every step of the way. Book a visit with Springbank Dental Centre in SW Calgary to talk through veneers, crowns, or a combination of both.
