It doesn’t matter whether you’re looking to improve your smile or address certain imperfections in your teeth – there are many restorative dentistry treatment options to consider. In fact, chances are you’ve already even researched some options on your own or have spoken with your orthodontist about some potential options to explore.

However, when trying to decide the direction you want to take, you may be a bit confused when hearing terms like veneers and crowns. What exactly are these used for, and are they the right choice for your situation? Let us help you get some perspective on these solutions to make it easier to decide.

Understanding the Difference of Capped Teeth vs Veneers

Having your teeth capped and getting veneers are both different forms of restorative dentistry that serve multiple purposes. However, there are many different situations where one or the other might be a better choice.

Below, we’ll break down the differences between the two options and the various types of each:

What are Dental Crowns?

Capped teeth, as they’re commonly referred to, are also called “dental crowns.” This is a fitting name for these, as they are designed to sit completely over one of your regular teeth.

Dental crowns are used for multiple reasons, but most commonly, they’re put in place to help protect a weaker tooth from breaking apart.[1] If there have been major repairs to the tooth, these caps help to keep everything together, making it much less likely the tooth will become further damaged.

In other cases, dental crowns can be used specifically for cosmetic purposes, helping to keep more uniformity with other teeth.

Different Types of Crowns

There are different types of dental crowns available to be used depending on what they’re for. Below are some of the most common options available:[2]

• Metal: Metal dental crowns can be made up of strong alloys like gold and are typically used in situations where strength and durability are important. These types of dental caps are most commonly used as a permanent solution since individuals can easily bite and chew with them – especially when applied to molars in the back of the jaw.
• Stainless Steel: Stainless steel dental crowns have similar durability but are typically a more cost-effective choice when compared to other metals. That being said, these types of caps are usually put in place for a temporary restoration and are eventually replaced by more permanent ones.
• Porcelain: The challenge with metal dental crowns is that they can be quite noticeable when used for front teeth, which many people will want to avoid. Porcelain crowns or porcelain fused crowns are much more natural-looking and can be used to protect certain teeth while being much less noticeable. One of the challenges with porcelain options, however, is that they can be a bit more fragile than other materials, and there are typically few dental insurance coverage options for it.

How Long Do Capped Teeth Last?

Capped teeth can last anywhere between 5-15 years, depending on different variables.[3] Like all dental appliances, their long-term integrity will be dependent on following certain guidelines provided by your orthodontist to ensure they’re properly cleaned and taken care to avoid breaks.

What are Dental Veneers?

Unlike a dental crown that is designed to completely cover and surround a tooth, veneers only cover the front-facing side of an existing tooth. This makes them much easier to put in place and doesn’t require extensive preparation like is necessary when putting in a crown.

Dental veneers are almost exclusively used as a cosmetic adjustment, although they can also be helpful for protecting chipped or slightly broken teeth. They are often used to help fill gaps between teeth and can be used to brighten smiles and add more uniformity to a jawline.

Different Types of Veneers

Like with dental caps, there are different types of dental veneers that can be used in restorative dentistry. Below are some of the most common options:[4]

• Composite: Composite materials can be used for dental veneers, which contain a tooth-colored resin that gets molded to be applied to your teeth. Composite veneers are a fairly cost-effective solution for fixing small chips in a tooth or filling various gaps.
• Porcelain: Porcelain veneers are the most commonly used format as they’re both durable and have a natural appearance. They’re bonded directly to the tooth surface and have a long lifespan.
• No-prep: Most veneers require a certain amount of tooth preparation before they’re applied. This usually involves scraping enamel so that the tooth is smooth and fits the veneer best. No-prep dental veneers are a much less invasive option than traditional veneers and don’t require this preparation ahead of time.
• Removable: Snap-on or “removable” dental veneers are another option that can be used during restorative dentistry. This is a temporary crown solution that uses custom-made trays to fit over all of your current teeth. Many times, this is used to provide a trial of what a permanent solution will look like before fully committing to having them put in place.

How Long Do Veeners Last?

Since not all dental veneers are designed to be permanent solutions, the length of time a veneer is expected to last will vary. Porcelain veneers are expected to last for 10-15 years when properly cared for, while no-prep or composite veneers are only expected to last half this amount of time.

What is the Process for Putting in a Dental Crown?

Below is a walkthrough of what is generally involved when dental crown covers are put in place:

• Dental Inspection and Natural Tooth Preparation – Before you have a crowned place, your cosmetic dentist will assess whether you’re an eligible candidate for various dental treatments. This may mean taking a number of X-rays and doing a full examination of teeth and surrounding areas. In the event that certain tooth repairs or fillings are needed, this will be done first before preparing the area for crown placement. They’ll then prepare the teeth needing a crown by removing a small amount of enamel in the teeth so the crown will fit over it properly.
• Dental Impression – Once your natural tooth has been adequately prepared, dentists will take a mold of the entire tooth using putty or a scanning tool. This will make sure all unique dimensions of the tooth are captured and used to create a custom-fitting crown.
• Temporary Crown Placement – While the lab is finishing production of a permanent dental crown, a temporary one will be put in place to protect the entire tooth and keep a natural appearance while waiting.
• Apply Permanent Solution – After the permanent crown has been prepared, the dentist will arrange a final fitting. During this time, the temporary solution will be removed, and the permanent crown will be put in place. They will then make sure it is properly bonded using dental cement and provide instructions for care.

What is the Process for Putting in Veneers?

Similar to when putting in a crown, porcelain veneers will require a few stages before they can be permanently placed. Below is what this process looks like:

• Initial Consultation – During an initial consultation with your dentist, you’ll be able to discuss the goals you’re trying to achieve with your smile. They will then do an examination of your teeth and overall oral healthcare to help you choose the right solution.
• Tooth Preparation – Depending on the type of veneer you’re looking for, the dentist may begin preparing your natural tooth by removing a small amount of enamel from it so the porcelain veneer can be successfully bonded.
• Color Selection – You’ll have the ability to choose the color and material of your cosmetic veneers to ensure they match other teeth or give you the look you want.
• Custom Molding – As with dental crowns, a mold of your teeth will be taken to make sure the shape of the veneers is perfectly formed for you.
• Bonding – When the veneers are ready, your dentist will make sure they’re permanently bonded.

Which Type of Treatment is Better?

The choice between dental caps or porcelain veneers will depend on your own unique circumstances and the general purpose of their use. Porcelain veneers are typically purely cosmetic and aren’t designed to provide any structural integrity to your teeth. On the other hand, dental caps help to protect compromised teeth while also providing cosmetic benefits.

Porcelain veneers will tend to cost you more when compared with a dental cap since there are limited material types and options to use, so the extent of your dental insurance may come into play. However, your dentist will be able to provide you with all of the pros and cons of your situation to make sure you’re choosing a solution that’s right for you.

If the choice is cosmetic, consider other orthodontic treatments such as Invisalign. Contact Kunik today for a free consultation!

Frequently Asked Questions

Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding dental crowns and veneers