Brunette woman smile in the dental chair after receiving a crown and veneers at the dentist

Crowns vs. Porcelain Veneers

Veneers and crowns are both used to improve the look of a patient’s smile. In this blog post, we give an overview of each of these treatments!

What Are Porcelain Veneers?

A porcelain veneer is a thin shell of durable porcelain that fits snugly over the front of your natural tooth. Each veneer is custom-made to be the color and shape that you and your dentist decide is the right design for your smile.

Veneers can quickly improve the symmetry of your smile and the appearance of crooked, yellow, or damaged teeth by hiding chips, small gaps, and discolorations. Additionally, porcelain is impervious to stains so you don’t have to worry about future discoloration!

The enamel on the front of your tooth must be significantly altered for the veneer to fit securely. Because of this, veneers are considered a permanent procedure.

What Are Dental Crowns?

Dental crowns differ from veneers because a crown covers the entire tooth, as opposed to just the front. They are designed to withstand great chewing forces and restore function and strength to a compromised tooth.

These realistic-looking caps protect teeth that are weakened by decay or trauma by providing additional structure and support. Like the esthetic benefits of a veneer, a crown can also improve the appearance of a tooth that is chipped, discolored, or irregularly shaped.

How to Pay for Crowns or Veneers

Some dental insurance plans do not cover veneers since they are usually considered an elective cosmetic treatment. In contrast, insurance often deems a crown as a cosmetic procedure that is medically necessary for full dental function, so it is more likely to be covered by insurance.

Before going forward with any treatment at Red Oak Family Dentistry, our team will give you a cost estimate of your out-of-pocket expenses and what your insurance will pay.

We offer a variety of payment options to suit your budget, including an in-house membership plan that is similar to dental insurance (but without the hassles!). Check out our financial resources page to learn more.

Your Custom Treatment Plan at Red Oak Family Dentistry

Red Oak Family Dentistry, your family dentist in McKinney, TX, is dedicated to assisting you with all your dental healthcare needs. After examining your smile and discussing your dental history, lifestyle, and budget, our qualified dental team can come up with a personalized treatment plan that is best for your oral health.

Please contact us today to schedule an appointment at Red Oak Family Dentistry in McKinney, TX!

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