The world of dentistry offers a range of treatments to help you achieve a brilliant smile and maintain optimal oral health. But many factors come into play when determining which treatment type – such as veneers vs. crowns vs. implants – is best fit for your needs and goals. 

Answering the question, “What is the difference between crowns and veneers and implants?” is what we intend to do in this blog. 

Let’s start by defining the two categories these dental procedures fall under.

Restorative vs. Cosmetic Dentistry 

Patients looking for oral health care need to be aware of the difference between cosmetic procedures and those that focus on restoring the health of your mouth. 

  • Cosmetic dentistry primarily focuses on enhancing the appearance of teeth, gums, and overall smile. Procedures in cosmetic dentistry often address concerns like tooth discoloration, alignment, or shape. Examples include teeth whitening, veneers, bonding, and orthodontics for aesthetic purposes.
  • Restorative dentistry aims to diagnose, prevent, and treat oral diseases, as well as repair or replace damaged or missing teeth to restore full function. This branch of dentistry encompasses procedures such as fillings, crowns, bridges, dentures, and dental implants.

Now that we’ve laid the foundation, what’s the difference between veneers and implants and crowns?

Veneers vs. Crowns vs. Implants 

What is the difference between crowns and veneers and implants? Are crowns or veneers better? Are implants or veneers better? The key to finding the right option for your dental health needs lies in understanding the difference in veneers and crowns and implants. 

Let’s look at each and break down the pros and cons of these potential treatments.

Veneers (Cosmetic)

Veneers are thin shells typically made from porcelain or composite resin that are custom-made to cover the front surface of a tooth. While veneers offer some protective qualities, their main function is enhancing appearance, putting them under the cosmetic dentistry category. So if you’re wondering, “Can you put veneers on missing teeth?” The answer is no—you can’t put a veneer on a tooth that isn’t there!

Veneers address cosmetic issues such as: 

  • Fixing chipped or worn teeth 
  • Improving the appearance of stained or discolored teeth 
  • Closing gaps between teeth 
  • Adjusting the size or shape of teeth for a more harmonious appearance 

Veneers help patients achieve instant results.

Crowns (Cosmetic and Restorative)

Crowns are fixed prosthetic “caps” that completely cover a damaged tooth. Unlike veneers, which only cover the visible surface of a tooth, a crown encases the entire tooth. Crowns consist of materials like porcelain, ceramic, and metal alloys. Since they improve the appearance of a tooth and restore its function, crowns can fall under either cosmetic or restorative dentistry.

Crowns serve several purposes: 

  • Restoring a broken or decayed tooth 
  • Covering and supporting a tooth with a large filling 
  • Protecting a weak tooth from fracturing 
  • Holding a dental bridge in place 
  • Covering severely discolored or misshapen teeth 

Crowns can be an ideal solution for many patients looking to preserve any remnants of their original tooth. 

Dental Implants (Restorative)

Dental implants are titanium posts that are screwed into your jawbone. Once in place, they allow the dentist to mount prosthetic replacement teeth. Implants serve as a sturdy base because they fuse with the bone, making them a permanent part of your smile. While dental implants have aesthetic benefits, as they replace missing teeth, their primary role is functional, putting them in the restorative category.

Implants are a solution for: 

Although implants are a more expensive and invasive procedure than crowns and veneers, they lead to long-lasting, natural results.

Find The Right Treatment Option With Northside Dental Co. 

So, now that you know the difference between veneers vs. crowns vs. implants, which one is right for you? 

To find out, visit your local dentist to get a full examination and professional recommendation based on their evaluation of your dental health and goals. They can also answer questions about cost, like “Are veneers cheaper than implants and crowns?” 

Remember, the best treatment isn’t solely about aesthetics but should also factor in functionality and the long-term health of your mouth. Rely on the expert opinion of your dentist to guide you in the right direction.

At Northside Dental Co., our experienced dentists can assess your oral health and recommend the best solution for your smile. Book an appointment to learn more about dental implants vs. veneers vs. crowns to learn which treatment type is right for you!