Veneers vs. Crowns for Crooked Teeth: Which is Right for You?

Dental veneers are tooth-colored shells that cover the natural tooth while a cap replaces the tooth with a tooth-colored crown. Crowns are used to remove decay, and veneers work for patients with healthy teeth who just want them straightened.

Benefits of Veneers

• Tooth-colored veneers are a fitted porcelain shells that go over the patient's original teeth. Cosmetic dentists use veneers to straighten crooked teeth without braces.

Benefits of Caps

• A cap replaces the tooth entirety and works for patients with cavities, fractured or chipped teeth. Since the damaged tooth is replaced by a crown, crooked teeth can be straightened with a cap.

Functions

• Both look like natural teeth, but will inhibit biting into hard foods. Caps have margins that have to be monitored for decay while veneers don't.

Longevity

• Veneers, caps and crowns can last as long as 10 to 15 years, given the patient practices good hygiene and proper care.

Insurance Coverage

• If there's decay, insurance companies will most likely cover crowns under the major category. Veneers are elective and therefore not covered by insurance.