Dental veneers and crowns are the best remedy for broken, cracked and chipped teeth. Most people don’t understand the difference between veneers and crowns. And in fact, it’s not easy for a layman to spot the difference between the two cosmetic procedures. As a matter of fact, there is a variance in how either of the two procedures is carried out. Even in terms of cost and durability, one procedure costs more than the other and will last for many years. A trained dentist will help you decide which would be the best option for you. To know more, click here. This article will enlighten you on the major differences between crowns and veneers.

1. Design and Reason

Crowns are used when your teeth have been weakened by decay and cracks. A crown is basically designed to cover all the corners of the teeth. Crowns are actually used to prevent further damage to your teeth. Furthermore, crowns are used when laying out a bridge and concealing teeth implants. Veneers on the other hand, are used when only one side of the teeth is damaged. They are recommended for teeth that is discolored or chipped on one side. They are even thinner than crowns. Before you choose either of the two cosmetic procedures, a dentist will have to examine your teeth first and select the best option. Crowns normally require more time to be fixed than veneers. This is because the dentist has to work around the teeth as opposed to when fixing veneers.

2. How they are Prepared

Crowns and veneers are not prepared in the same way. This is because veneers cover just a small area while crowns cover a large surface. Fixing crowns is quite cumbersome and complicated. The dentist starts the procedure by filing the edges of the teeth to make them smooth and be of the same size. In most instances, the dentist will have to navigate through the root canal of the teeth. A crown is actually molded into the shape of your teeth. And since the molding process takes a few days, the dentist has to cushion your teeth with a temporary cover until the crown is ready for installation. When installing veneers, the dentist examines the patch of your teeth that needs to be covered. Once identified, the surface is scrubbed to get rid of the enamel. This is because veneers can’t be bonded on top of enamel. After a layer of veneer has been spread over the patch, the teeth is then shielded with a temporary cover. The temporary cover is allowed to stay for at least two weeks.

3. Durability and Price

Crowns are arguably more expensive than veneers. However you will often spend less money when getting crowns fitted over your teeth. That's because you only usually have one crown fitted, but you often have four or more veneers when you're having these installed.