Dental crowns and dental veneers serve very similar purposes, but they are used in different ways. Dental crowns are used to strengthen teeth that have been weakened or damaged, while porcelain veneers are typically used in a cosmetic manner to correct imperfections in the front teeth.
If you’ve had a root canal, or if a tooth in the back of your mouth was broken or damaged, a dental crown will most likely be used to preserve what’s left of your natural tooth and provide a strong biting surface. On the other hand, if you have a chip, crack, or discoloration in your front teeth, a porcelain veneer can be used to cover it up.
If you are interested in porcelain veneers or dental crowns, call Montane Dental Care today at 510-795-0444 for your complimentary consultation.
Do You Need a Crown or a Veneer?
Dental crowns are stronger than veneers, so they are often used for molars and teeth that need a strong biting surface. Dental crowns cover the entire tooth surface, so they are used when a tooth is so weak or damaged that it needs protection.
You may need a dental crown if:
- You needed a root canal
- You have a damaged or weakened back tooth
- You have a tooth towards the front of the mouth that is too weak to support a porcelain veneer
Porcelain veneers are cosmetic in nature, and are not meant to provide a strong biting surface. For this reason, they are typically used only on the front teeth that show in your smile. They are very popular as a way to get a perfect Hollywood smile, as they can be completely customized and can cover up a wide array of cosmetic imperfections, including:
- Severe discoloration that bleaching alone can’t fix
- Chips and cracks
- Mildly crooked, crowded, or gapped teeth
- Unevenly shaped teeth
- Teeth that are too short
How Can I Pay for Porcelain Veneers or Dental Crowns?
Dental crowns are often at least partially covered by insurance, as they serve a restorative purpose in the mouth. Porcelain veneers are usually not covered, since they serve a primarily cosmetic purpose. Dr. Montane’s staff will be happy to check with your insurance to see if any part of your treatment with us is covered or partially covered.
If your insurance does not cover your treatment, or if it only covers part of it, we also offer dental financing plans. We work with CareCredit, a healthcare lending company, to offer a variety of plans that can fit any budget. Many of these plans are zero APR when paid back in full within the designated period.
We believe that every patient should be able to achieve the healthy and beautiful smile of their dreams, which is why we will work with you to help you find the treatment and financing plan that works best for your budget.
Schedule Your Consultation Today
If you are interested in porcelain veneers, or if you think you need a dental crown, don’t hesitate to contact Dr. Jorge “No Pain” Montane today at 510-795-0444 to schedule your complimentary initial consultation.
We serve patients in Fremont, Union City, Newark, and other nearby Bay Area locations.
