Looking to improve your smile but unsure whether dental crowns or veneers are right for you? At Channon Lawrence Dental, your trusted Gympie dentist, we understand this important decision. Let's explore these two popular cosmetic dental solutions to help you make an informed choice for your dental health.
Understanding Dental Crowns and Veneers
What Are Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are man made “caps” that we place over natural teeth to restore their functionality, strength and appearance. This may be because your natural tooth could be cracked, decayed, damaged or weakened teeth. Some people want dental crowns purely for looks and aesthetic appearances. At Channon Lawrence Dental, our cosmetic dentists offer high quality, natural-looking crowns for all clients.
According to Health Direct, dental crowns are often used in these common situations:
When you have a broken or cracked tooth
If your tooth has severe decay
Following root canal treatment
To improve the functionality of a weakened or compromised tooth
What Are Veneers?
Veneers are thin, custom-made “cap or shell” that is bonded to the front surface of your teeth. With proper care, porcelain veneers last 10–15 years, while composite resin veneers last 5–7 years—both offering lasting solutions for cosmetic dental concerns.
According to the Australian Dental Association, you may be an ideal candidate for veneers if you have:
Gaps between your front teeth
Stained, discoloured, broken or chipped teeth
Slightly crooked teeth
Oddly angled or shaped teeth, such as peg lateral incisors
Key Differences Between Dental Crowns and Veneers
Purpose and Functionality
While both treatments can enhance your smile's appearance, they serve distinct purposes in dental world. Dental crowns completely cover the entire remaining natural tooth or stump, helping to restore the tooth’s strength, function, and appearance. They're commonly placed when a tooth has experienced significant decay, fractures, or previous extensive dental work.
Veneers, on the other hand, used only when the integrity of the natural tooth is good enough. They focus primarily on cosmetic enhancement by addressing issues like discolouration, minor chips, or slight misalignment. These thin shells attach to the front surface of your natural teeth, offering a less invasive solution for more aesthetic concerns.
We Use High Quality Dental Products, Brands & Material
At Channon Lawrence Dental, we use high-quality materials for both our dental crowns and veneers to ensure lasting results for our Gympie patients.
Our dental crowns are made from porcelain or ceramic materials that closely match the appearance of natural teeth. These materials not only provide exceptional strength but also reflect light similarly to natural tooth enamel, often creating a seamless blend with your smile.
With proper care and regular dental check-ups, dental crowns may last 10-15 years.
While veneers are thinner and require less tooth reduction during the preparation process, they can be also long lasting and durable. Modern dental materials allow veneers to resist staining and maintain their beautiful appearance for many years - when properly maintained through good oral hygiene and regular dental checkup visits.
What To Expect Dental Crown Procedure
The dental crown procedure typically involves more extensive preparation of your natural tooth. During your appointment, our Gympie dentists carefully reshape the entire tooth structure to create space for the crown to fit securely. This process ensures the crown will align perfectly with your bite and surrounding teeth while providing maximum protection.
Dental Veneer Tooth Reduction
In contrast, veneers generally require minimal tooth reduction, usually just a thin layer from the front surface of your teeth. This conservative approach helps preserve as much of your natural tooth structure as possible. At Channon Lawrence Dental, we take great care to remove only what's necessary to ensure your veneers fit comfortably while maintaining the health of your natural teeth.
Pros and Cons of Dental Crowns
Advantages:
Provide complete tooth coverage
Ideal for severely damaged or decayed teeth
Long-lasting solution
Disadvantages:
Requires more tooth reduction
Higher initial cost
Pros and Cons of Veneers
Advantages:
Minimal tooth reduction needed
Natural-looking results
Not as expensive as dental crowns
Disadvantages:
Not suitable for severely damaged teeth
Only suitable if natural tooth is healthy
May need replacement sooner than crowns
Cost Comparison in Australia
Understanding the financial aspect of dental treatments helps you make an informed decision for your smile. As your caring Gympie dental team, we believe in complete transparency about treatment costs and options available to you and we will always provide an estimate of costs. Let's break down the investment for both crowns and veneers.
Veneer Costs
Costs may vary from person to person, due to complexity of each dental case. These prices are just a general guide:
Composite resin veneers start from $656 per tooth - an affordable option
Porcelain veneers, start from $1,600 - $1,890
Dental Crown Costs
The investment in a same-day crown varies based on your specific dental needs and insurance coverage. We understand that cost is an important factor in your decision, which is why we'll provide a detailed, personalised quote during your dental consultation.
To help make your dental care more manageable, we offer flexible payment options and can assist you in understanding your health fund benefits. We invite you to visit our welcoming Gympie practice to discuss the solution that best fits your needs and budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dental crowns last?
With proper care, it’s not uncommon for dental crowns to last 15-20 years.
Are veneers permanent?
Yes, veneers are considered a permanent treatment. Veneers may need replacement after 10-15 years.
Can I whiten crowns or veneers?
Neither crowns nor veneers can be whitened after placement. They maintain their original colour.
Should I whiten my teeth before or after new crowns or veneers?
You should complete teeth whitening before you get a crown or veneer made.
Book Your Cosmetic Dental Treatment in Gympie
As your local Gympie dentist, we're here to help you make the best choice for your smile. Whether you choose crowns or veneers, both options can significantly improve your dental health and confidence. Contact Channon Lawrence Dental to schedule a consultation and discuss which option best suits your needs.
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